Hobo Nickel - Is it modern?

I had the chance to buy a small collection of nickels and this hobo nickel was in it. I have no experience with them. Is there a sure proof way to decide if it is not modern? Thanks!

 

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Looks like it to me

 

I wouldn't call it Hobo. It is a 1913 Buffalo that was severely damaged by someone pretending to make a Hobo.

 

My thoughts are that it is crudely carved.

 

Interesting. What is the criteria for an honest hobo nickel?

 

You got me on that one Kevin.

 

I hadn’t thought about authenticity of Hobo nickels by dates, figuring any date was fair game. What is in hand might be the only qualifier.

 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hobo_nickel#:~:text=This resulted in some new,or name on his works.

 

That circled beard looks like it was made with a hammer hole punch, just thinking out loud!

https://www.goldstartool.com/hammer-hole-punch-for-grommets-eyelets.htm

 

Very crude work. Doesn't look like the ones that I've seen before that's for sure.

 

That type of beard doesn't look like any in the book.

 

Due to the beard I’d say it was recently done. Not a Hobo but made to look like one. What a shame it’s done on a 1913.

 

I agree with you. I feel like trying to see what I can do to make it look better, seeing it is already ruined.

 

Best to leave as is. It’s best to have in hand and due to the wear I can’t tell if which variety it is, high or low ground. The low ground is the more expensive variety but I’m thinking this is variety one with the Buffalo standing on a mound. Just a little too worn for me to tell from a photo.

 

It is type one - high ground.

 

I thought so, thanks. It was a $10 coin until carved.

 

There is actually a collector group here in Florida who continues to make these things.

 

Free golfing markers ????????

 

Its a vintage hobo nickel. Also a lot of time was spent on this coin- using crude tools. Excellent carving!

 

Great! Thanks! I ended up gifting it to my dad.... which is what I tend to do with a lot of my coins.