A Bert Hobo nickel set an auction record. https://www.coinworld.com/news/us-coins/hobo-nickel-sets-a-record-price-in-heritage-auction
Wow! 19 pages of almost completely "Out Of Stock"...but what a fine display of desirable silver! You're right...I've been warned! Thanks! wlw
As an indicator of how far out in the weeds I am (figuratively); I had never seen nor heard of a Hobo Nickel before reading that story about Bert Wiegand & Elizabeth. Something new, every day! Lovely, Thanks!! wlw
Oh man, that's ANOTHER rabbit hole . . . My favorite modern Hobo Nickel artist is a guy called SteveOrino on fleaBay. He is a member of the Original Hobo Nickel Society and a fantastic artist. I think his style best captures the works of the early Hobo Nickel artist and they are quite affordable where the works of the early carvers are not. Each of his pieces is hand carved, an original piece of work. No two are the same - OOAK. Here are just a few of his works that I have been fortunate enough to acquire. Enjoy . . . . Z And this one is a self portrait of the artist himself.
The seller said the damage is hidden by the holder. My guess is the damage is minimal but I may never know as I don't want to break it out to find out.
Here's a couple more I received today. The depression Token from 1932 is phenomenal and it was a pricey one as well. Although I never like to talk price on here the 1932 cost me over one hundred scrillas! I seldom pay more than a bill for Medals or Tokens but that's one I've been bidding on for quite awhile, so into my collection it goes!
"...the 1932 cost me over one hundred scrillas!" And worth every dime of that! Really, a beautiful piece...Thanks! wlw
Z: That SteveOrino has a fine eye, and obviously knows his way around a Nickel! They're all lovely, and very evocative; my eyes will be peeled for an opportunity to get just one. I got enough other stuff for several lifetimes, so I'm not looking for a collection...but the Hobo Nickel has wormed its way into my heart. Thanks!! wlw
Yeah, I'm smitten. Here are a few of his more "non-traditional" designs that I picked up. The first two just came in yesterday. I think his work is underappreciated and will increase in value over the next few years. Z Uncle Frankie Love Sick Uncle Hellboy Skinny Enrique Elf Fell Off The Shelf Uncle Carl Skinny "Have A Nice Day"
I looked up the word "exonumia" in my Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary and it was not listed as such. I know I should interpolate the word from its use, but it would take too much time. I used my Word to find it and, no luck. I'm sure that its use should be documented, but, except for its use on Coin Talk, I can't find any accepted use. Can you help me?
Thanks. I googled it and they sent me to Wiki whatever. It said that it was a numis (coin collector) terminology.
Back...to France! This is Pewter, I think. Heavy, not silver or brass. It may even be some kind of repo or modernish re-strike. Marked VC. CHAMPLAIN, on the reverse(?). The face is very familiar, from some of the earlier French entries, above. ~79.4mm, ~166gm. Your considered opinions r'welcome! wlw