Thread: Hobo Nickels

I bought this hobo nickel on ebay last Sunday (Dec. 5) and it came in the mail today..................







The "Distinguished Professor" hobo nickel. Created by the carver known only as "SG". I paid $14.68 for it on ebay.

Originally Posted by Hobo

Fret, The first Hobo you show is a modern carving but the second one looks like a very nice original Hobo.

Yeah, I'm glad you think so as I think it could be an older one as well. I was on ebay checking out the inventory around 2 days ago and there was one going for $700. I think that was a Bill Zach!! Isn't that something? Some of these modern day carvers are finally getting the respect they deserve.

a recent carving of mine, the collector added spun a bit of a tale to give the charecter some life. And another recent carving.

Originally Posted by Harpuahound

a recent carving of mine, the collector added spun a bit of a tale to give the charecter some life. And another recent carving.

Fantastic !
Do you add ink for depth-effect ?

Originally Posted by rotobeast

Fantastic !
Do you add ink for depth-effect ?

Short answer yes.

Its a mixture of Gun Blue, permenant marker and transfer wax. This isnt uncommon to do in other styles of engraving. And its really not uncommon in hobo nickels I think, to rub dirt n debris into the crevices to make the raised areas more pronounced. It adds contrast to the design, with my style of carving it works well.

Originally Posted by Harpuahound

Short answer yes.

Its a mixture of Gun Blue, permenant marker and transfer wax. This isnt uncommon to do in other styles of engraving. And its really not uncommon in hobo nickels I think, to rub dirt n debris into the crevices to make the raised areas more pronounced. It adds contrast to the design, with my style of carving it works well.

No doubt about it !
It really adds depth to your, already great, eye and hair work.
Am I correct in assuming that you were greatly influenced by Celtic and 70's Pop art ?

I couldnt say I was influenced by any particular style. But many different artists. Mostly just learning from any piece that catches my eye.

Not my work. Its amazing, Sorta fits HOBO NICKEL genre. The pair sold for $500

Man, some cool stuff here. I love the Abe one!

I could quickly see myself getting into Hobo nickels. The artistry involved and in the originals the history is amazing.

My first hobo nickel purchase of 2011...........





I bought this today at a coin show and I paid $8.00 for it. The artist is unknown. On the front of nickel, the Indian Head "hat" says "Show Me The Money". The nickel was not in the greatest of shape when it was carved out. I did not find many hobo nickels at the coin show.

I just found this in Grandpa's nickels I am going through. The collection has not be touched since 1964. It was stored in a paper bag along with a 50 rolls of Jefferson and Buffalo nickel and 8 collecter books. I do not know if it was a modern or not. Hope someone can look at the attached pictures and tell one way or another.

Here's a few Hobo nickel images I came across lately. I think the last one was [possibly carved by a Minnesota Vikings fan.

Originally Posted by eatranman

I just found this in Grandpa's nickels I am going through. The collection has not be touched since 1964. It was stored in a paper bag along with a 50 rolls of Jefferson and Buffalo nickel and 8 collecter books. I do not know if it was a modern or not. Hope someone can look at the attached pictures and tell one way or another.

That is surely a classic and could prove to be rather valuable.