http://www.coinworld.com/articles/hobo-nickels-sell-for-170-000/ [h=2]Hobo nickels sell for $170,000[/h] Frost Collection totals 218 pieces | May 22, 2012 10:00 a.m. Article first published in Frost Collection totals 218 pieces, U.S. Collectibles section of Coin World Enlarge this image It is likely that this two-design hobo nickel, part of the recently sold Frost Collection, was carved from a 1919 Indian Head 5-cent coin. The Indian Head has been converted to a bearded man wearing a hat, with KARASHAW inscribed to the right, and H.C.A. where the date would normally appear. The reverse has the bison fashioned into a horse or donkey, with the inscribed date of 1919, the denomination 10 KOPECKS and the word BOLSHEVIKI. All images by Todd Pollock, courtesy of www.bluccphotos.com. A collection of 218 hobo nickels was purchased May 11 in Denver for $170,000 by Tiburon, Calif., collector Candace DeMarco Kagin. Nearly a third of the total were carved by premier hobo artists Bertram “Bert” Weigand and his protege, George Washington “Bo” Hughes, who practiced the art form from about 1913 to the mid-20th century. The private treaty transaction was brokered during the American Numismatic Association National Money Show by H. Robert Campbell, president of All About Coins in Salt Lake City. Campbell represented the seller of the collection, Larry Frost, of Park City, Utah. Frost had purchased nearly 60 original hobo nickels from Campbell some 15 years ago that formed the basis of Frost’s collection. Frost continued to add to his collection pieces that Campbell located for him. Hobo nickels are usually Indian Head 5-cent coins, commonly called “Buffalo nickels,” that are pieces of American folk art, having had their devices reshaped. The artists modifying the coins use a variety of techniques to reshape the metal, including carving or punched with various tools.
folk art is in vogue. Think those depression babies ever thought they're handiwork would be worth that much.
I'm a big fan of folk art. Still looking for a long lost Grandma Moses. Or maybe I should start scooping up some Hobo Nickels.
Actually I'm not surprised they sold for that much. There's lots of modern day hobo artists that sell their pieces for $100-$1000+. Check out hobonickels.org to see some realised prices in case you're curious.
Fair enough but then i don't understand what your saying and what it has to do with the sale of Hobo Nickels. Ruben
