<P> The Hobbs Company continued to interpose objections in 1913 . On February 3, Hobbs sent Roberts a lengthy list of changes that he wanted in the coin, and the sculptor was required to attend a conference with Hobbs representatives . On the fifth, following the conference, which ended with no agreement, Fraser sent MacVeagh a ten - page letter, complaining that his time was being wasted by the Hobbs Company, and appealing to the Secretary to bring the situation to a close . Secretary MacVeagh agreed to hold a meeting at his office in Washington on February 14 . Barber prepared patterns showing what the nickel would look like if the changes demanded by Hobbs were made . MacVeagh conducted the meeting much like a legal hearing, and issued a letter the following day . The secretary noted that no other firm had complained, that the Hobbs mechanism had not been widely sold, and that the changes demanded--a clear space around the rim and the flattening of the Indian's cheekbone--would affect the artistic merit of the piece . MacVeagh concluded, "You will please, therefore, proceed with the coinage of the new nickel ." </P> <P> The coins were officially released to circulation on March 4, 1913, and quickly gained positive comments for depicting truly American themes . However, The New York Times stated in an editorial that "The new' nickel' is a striking example of what a coin intended for wide circulation should not be...(it) is not pleasing to look at when new and shiny, and will be an abomination when old and dull ." The Numismatist, in March and May 1913 editorials, gave the new coin a lukewarm review, suggesting that the Indian's head be reduced in size and the bison be eliminated from the reverse . </P> <P> Dies for the new design proved to break quickly . Barber made proposed revisions, which Fraser approved after being sent samples . These changes enlarged the legend "FIVE CENTS" and changed the ground on which the bison stands from a hill to flat ground . According to data compiled by numismatic historian David Lange from the National Archives, the changes to what are known as Type II nickels (with the originals Type I) actually decreased the die life . A problem not addressed was the exposure of the date to wear; many Buffalo nickels today have the date worn away . </P> <P> In January 1938, the Mint announced an open competition for a new nickel design, to feature early president Thomas Jefferson on the obverse, and Jefferson's home, Monticello on the reverse . The last Buffalo nickels were struck in April 1938 at the Denver Mint, the only mint to strike them that year . </P>

What is on the front and back of a nickel