This is the first galvano of either the obverse or reverse of James Fraser's design for his famous 1913 Buffalo Nickel. The design on this galvano is very similar to the final version that the U.S. Mint chose for the Type I Buffalo Nickels that were struck in 1913. In this design, the bison's forelegs are on higher ground than the back legs, which differs from the adopted design. This galvano is considered unique. In medallic work, a galvano is always one-sided and made by placing a bas-relief mold or pattern (of plaster, plastic or metal) in an electrolytic tank containing an electrolyte solution. Galvanos can be made positive or negative (provided the pattern is the opposite: a positive pattern makes a negative galvano). In the numismatic and medallic field negative galvanos are the form of pattern making of a bas-relief to be converted into a die. Galvano casts are often mounted on wood and become a very desirable wall hanging. Sold for $180,000 in Stacks-Bowers 03/24 sale. Photo courtesy of Stacks-Bowers.