192? "Hobo" Nickel

192? "Hobo" Nickel

Hobo nickels are carved or engraved coins that have been transformed into miniature works of art. The term "hobo nickel" originated during the Great Depression in the United States when many individuals, including transient workers or "hobos," would take ordinary coins, typically Buffalo nickels, and modify them to create unique and intricate designs.

Hobo nickels are typically hand-carved using small hand tools such as knives, chisels, or files. The artists would remove parts of the coin's surface, redefining the design and creating new images. Common subjects depicted on hobo nickels include portraits, landscapes, animals, and various scenes. Each hobo nickel is a one-of-a-kind piece, showcasing the creativity and skill of the artist.

Hobo nickels have gained popularity as collectible items and are highly sought after by numismatists, coin collectors, and enthusiasts of folk art. Some hobo nickels can be quite valuable, depending on the intricacy of the carving, the artist's reputation, and the coin's condition.