the buffalo nickel?

Question

What was the name of the 1550 pound bison at the New York Zoo that served as the model for the buffalo nickel. introduced in 1913?
What became of him?

Answer 1

The bison was Black Diamond. The Numismatist publication printed this in December 1915 :
"Black Diamond, the aged buffalo, whose likeness is printed on our $10 Legal Tender notes and is stamped on the last issue of five-cent pieces, was put to death in New York on November 17. He was about 20 years old and the largest bison in captivity. He had been an inmate of the Central Park corral for many years. Black Diamond's hide, which measured 13 by 13 feet, will be made into an automobile robe. The bison weighed 1,500 pounds, from which 750 pounds of dressed meat was obtained. The teeth were in a remarkable state of preservation. The head, which will be mounted, sold for a considerable amount of money. The bison was killed because of old age. He was sold in the surplus livestock auction last summer and was left at the park subject to the call of his purchaser."

Another 1915 account noted that Black Diamond was sold in the summer livestock auction to a dealer in poultry and game for about $700.

Answer 2

Black Diamond. As to what happened to him you may have to see if the New York central Park Zoo has a web site or you can try the New York Historical society, they have a site. Now the designer James E Fraser way rather coy as to what he used as a model, so most coin books say Black Diamond the bison was supposedly used.. Yes it is a bison not a buffalo.