So, a recent discussion has popped up in another thread about taking a design for a coin and using it in on a different metal. One example was the Buffalo design. Originally, is was struck as the Buffalo Nickel (1913-1938) as a circulation piece but more recently as a commemorative silver dollar and as bullion gold. One really can't argue that the coin looks very different in the different metals. The properties of the three metals are different and thus different features of the design are highlighted. So, I pose the question. Do you like the look of the Buffalo design in metals other than the originally intended nickel or do you feel the it works well with the other metals as well?
One thing I have noticed about the Buffalo design when looking at the different metals is the field on the obverse. The nickel has a much more "rough" appearance to me while both the silver and gold don't. I like the look of this roughness as it serves to highlight the Indian's head. Now, I think the silver and gold both look excellent...but they certainly are different.
