Owner Comments:
This should be a separate varitey of HK291! The first difference is that this is larger than the other variety of HK291. This is approximately 35mm and is similar in diameter to the HK291A. Both the obverse and reverse are different dies. Some of the differences in dies on the obverse include:
1.) Smaller or thinner numerals and letters. Compare the "1901" date in thickness of the numerals, their spacing, and the serifs on the "1"s. Also look at the "O" and "V" and other letters in "SOUVENIR." This is one of the reasons I am terming this variety "Small Letters."
2.) The buffalo is different. Though difficult to see in the photo, the hooves in the new variety are distinctly split unlike the standard variety. The fur is different, as well as the eye, tail, and another prominent anatomical part.
3.) The mound is different. It is thinner, pointy on the left edge, and less grassy.
4.) The denticles point outward to the rim instead of inward toward the design. There also appear to be visable guidemarks for the denticles as well as guidemarks or repunched letters for the first few characters of "SOUVENIR."
Some of the differences on the reverse include:
1.) The die rotation is different. The reverse has medal alignment (is upside down when turned over from top to bottom) and not coin alignment as on the other HK 291 variety.
2.) Smaller, thinner, or more closely-spaced together letters. Notice the "P" and the last "N" in "PAN-AMERICAN" in proximity to the "M" and "R" in "MAY-NOVEMBER." They are further away on this reverse. Same comment for "E" and "N" in "EXPOSITION" in relation to the "B" and "Y" in "BUFFALO, N.Y." Both "MAY-NOVEMBER" and "BUFFALO, N.Y." appear to have either thinner or shorter letters, or are more closely spaced together on this variety. This is another reason why I am coining the phrase "Small Letters Variety" for this medal.
3.) The ornamental design on the back is different. There is one fewer ray on the bottom design. Even more noticeable are the lack of curls on the ends of the design.
4.) There are many more smaller denticles closely spaced together on this variety.
I have viewed around 40 different examples of HK291 (either in person or by photograph), and have seen only five other examples of this variety (for a total of six). This would seem to be a rarer variety, but would like to see if anyone else has encountered more examples before I alter my R7 rating.
This is an AU details example with a mount removed and very little if any gilt remaining on the surfaces. Looking to upgrade! I know of at least one other slabbed example of this variety (NGC AU-58 #2141463-005).