Hobo nickels are coins that have had their designs modified with files, engraving, chasing, and carving tools. The most popular coins to work with are Buffalo or Indian Head nickels, minted from 1913-1938. They were easy enough to work with hand tools and the Indian head provided subject matter that was ripe with possibilities. The most common theme was the transformation of the Indian head into a hobo wearing a derby-like hat. I bought the coin pictured below from a friend who had a coin shop in Leroy, NY about 8 years ago. The coin is skillfully worked and appears to be from the early classic period. For comparison an unblemished 1913 nickel MS68, courtesy of PCGS Hobo nickels vary in quality from very fine to crude and amateurish. Many soldiers returning from World War I were unable to find work and lived a hobo's life along with many down-and-outers who hitched rides on railroad trains, going from city to city looking for work. Some hobos were skilled enough to work the Indian head nickels during stops and sell them to tourists or locals for a few bucks or a meal, hence the label "Hobo Nickels" was coined. This phenomenon of working coins didn't just spring up with Buffalo nickels, it began earlier in the 19th century with other coins. A favorite coin to work over was the American trade dollar like the one pictured below. These were called "Potty Dollars" and depicted a nude Miss Liberty taking a dump on a chamber pot. This coin has "NO FREE TRADE" engraved above the date which helps date it to the late 1880s. Republicans issued tariffs during the Civil War to protect American industrial interests (sound familiar) and they stayed in place until Democrat Grover Cleveland decided to run for president. Cleveland wanted to reduce tariffs to make imports cheaper (sound familiar). After a tooth and nail battle Cleveland managed to reduce tariffs from 47% to 40%, and this coin is a memento of that era. For comparison pictured below is an unblemished 1877 trade dollar Getting back to hobo nickels, the Original Hobo Nickel Society (OHNS) was formed in 1992 and has provided a wealth of information to collectors of these coins. Delma (Del) K. Romines published a series of articles on hobo nickels for Coin World magazine in the 1980s and published a well researched book Hobo Nickels in 1982. These publications stirred interest in the hobby and many modern artists started making hobo nickels again. The most sought after hobo nickels from the classic period were made by Bertram "Bert" Wiegand, and his protege George Washington "Bo" Hughes. Very few of their coins are signed, but the ones that can be attributed to them bring high prices and signed examples bring very high prices. The best of the modern artists have no equal and their coins bring very high prices. Heritage auctions liquidated two important collections of hobo nickels this year; 29 coins from the Jack Royse collection and 1,100 coins from the Don Haley collection. Pictured below are five of the coins that Heritage sold along with prices realized. Photos courtesy of Heritage. An early example by Bert Wiegand. Notice how it was signed by removing letters from LIBERTY. $9,600.00 This is the most sought after type made by Bert when he was imprisoned in Georgia and had to work on the chain gang in 1933. $13,200.00 This is a later example by Bert in 1947, after he injured his hand. $4,800.00 This is a self portrait by Bo Hughes, 1952. $7,500.00 Bo Hughes, 1923, donkey with a shanty in the background. $8,400.00 Willie Nelson by Aleksey Saburov, 2014. Visit his website to see nickels made with astonishing realism. If any CT member has hobo nickels feel free to post them . References: On line pamphlet from the OHNS Coin World article by Steve Roach, 12-13-2018 Hobo NIckels by Dekma K. Romines, Copyright 1982 Heritage Auction Archives Wikipedia
Not hobo nickels per say. But the same line. I collect trench art from the world wars. I mostly end up with Aussie stuff. My favourite are the ones with the US 5th Air Force on them. Original 5th Air Force Patch
I have seen some of the modern ones with skulls before but wow is that Willie Nelson impressive! Is that first one yours @Al Kowsky ?
Heavymetal, I don't blame you . I wish I could afford the best of the modern ones . Here are a few more I'd like to have . Aleksey Saburov, 2014 Cat with a hat, Aleksey Saburov Happy couple, Aleksey Saburov Old man with pipe. Aleksey Saburov Old man with bike, Aleksey Saburov
Potty dollars are unoriginal and abhorrent....They lack in design and creativity and I've never seen one more creative than 'Liberty' sitting upon a chamber pot. Uncreative tripe. Other than that, the other selections are most creative indeed.....
A US one based in the South Pacific during the war. So a lot of them were in Australia early on until they took over New Guinea. Hence why there’s the Southern Cross on it.
At the Fun Show each year there is a table where they make and teach folks the art. Fun to watch how it's done.
The carved florin. I collect military trade tokens with a focus on Air Force tokens and my collection also includes other forms of Air Force exonumia such as challenge coins, paper chits, etc. and an engraved coin would be a wonderful addition.
Excellent post! I am a fan of hobo nickels, particularly the "skulls" carved by John Hughey. They are my favorite by far. In fact, I just purchased two from him last night, and they are on their way. I finally have a skull nickel with both the Indian and the buffalo/bison skeletonized. I will share updated pics once I have them in hand. Can't wait to get 'em. And a Peruvian skull..... Here are some other modern hobo nickels in my collection from John Hughey. Although similar in appearance, they are all unique in some way since each is hand carved.
Here are some of the "freaky face" hobo nickels, as John likes to call them. These have such a Halloween feel to them. I bought them without hesitation. Other carvings by John Hughey. I have given him a lot of money over the years.
Other hobo carvings by various artists..... This one is a bit crude, but I find it charming nonetheless.