What does "original" even mean in this context. Engraved from genuine coins? Done long ago or recently? Actually hand made or copies?
By original I do mean done a long time ago. I do mean hand made. And yes genuine. Hope this helps you.
There is a Hobo Nickel group. Their members study, collect, write about and even make modern "hobo-style" pieces. As with virtually anything else we collect, knowledge is power. Very often, a piece can be identified as the work of a particular "artist." Some of the pieces are even signed. Remember, the "original" contemporary pieces were done by hand, often with crude tools. We'll probably see a reference book on these pieces in a few years. As with many things, the more you make the better you get and some fellows started out as better artists right from the start. I'll bet the book will even trace the development of "famous" hobo engravers through their work. Again, I suggest you try the internet. I've got two things to look up (including this subject) from reading CT threads this morning!
