There are a number of United States coins out there that are essentially the “bread and butter” of the numismatic hobby. Not necessarily the coins that are valued highly for their financial worth, but coins that have a significance and are held in respect to all the other coins out there. Can you think of any that might have that connotation? Surely, one of those coins you are thinking of is the Buffalo nickel.
Designed by prolific sculptor and artist James Earle Fraser, the Buffalo nickel was a coin that commemorated the American Indian and the near-extinct bison. However, this iconic coin also gave way for yet another interesting faction within the coin hobby that resulted in the works of art that are now referred to as “Hobo Nickels.” It turns out that the effigies of a rugged Native American and compelling buffalo were great canvases for these illustrations created by artists with little money and time on their hands.
While most hoboes are thought of as bums or lowly people, an actual hobo was generally an intelligent individual who was willing to work for varying essentials such as a meal, a place to sleep for the night, or a handout. They were adaptable and well traveled and abided by a strict code of conduct that involved ethics and staying within the law. Those wandering without a code of ethics were avoided by others who followed the law.
As the Buffalo nickel series made its first appearance in 1913, these carved, not engraved, nickels started popping up shortly after. As the metal composition of the nickel, which is actually composed of copper-nickel, is one of the hardest metals to alter, it appeared that the larger bust of the Native American and the full body image of the representation of “Black Diamond” made for an array of opportunities to redesign the new U.S. coin. Because of the onset of The Great Depression, these carvings were made by those itinerants, or hoboes, as a means of survival during those tough times. Clothes, food, rides from one town to the next, and more were on the table for these artists.
While the details of the small works of art were incredible, it left many wondering how it was possible. There were a number of methods used to create these carvings and most of the talented artists created their own tools that would work as small files and chisels. However, many of the artists used pocket knives as well. While the above mentioned tools are those used of a proficient artist, those who were less skilled used what is called the “punching method.” This meant that they hammered punches of varying sizes into the Buffalo nickel to form the desired design. This method proved to be quite crass in appearance.
Regardless of the method used to create these redesigned nickels and tiny pieces of artwork, the time involved could be quite extensive depending on the level of proficiency the artists were at. Initially, the more skilled hobo could spend 100 hours or more for the most detailed and high-caliber pieces. However, as practice makes perfect, they could reduce the time and in some cases, break down to just two hours or so.
As the popularity of the Hobo Nickel grew over the years, a question arose about their worth. There are a number of factors to consider in these assessments. First and foremost, the overall appearance is a good indicator but it dovetails even further when one wants to determine collectability. An important factor when trying to determine it’s worth includes the subject as a majority of original coins used a bearded man wearing a domed hat. The further away the subject is from the design, the more interesting they can be to collectors. Other factors to consider include the workmanship or technique used to carve the Hobo Nickels, the originality, the condition of the coin, whether or not the carvings appear on the obverse or reverse, if the artist can be recognized as believe it or not, there were original carvers, whether or not they are signed or dated, and the date of the original coin.
While the popularity of the Hobo Nickel has lessened some since it’s beginnings, their overall story and appeal is still something collectors find worth talking about. As the name of these carved coins do not tell the whole story, it gives insight into the culture that existed way back in the early 1900s around coins. It also sheds light on a term that most believe to be interchangeable with tramp or bum, but actually means something completely different. Either way, these tiny, interesting pieces of art have a presence within the coin hobby even in 2021 and will continue on well into the future.
Source: The Coin Dealer Supplement Newsletter, 2011