Description:
These unique pieces of metal combine the fields of numismatics, folk art, and history. The Indian head nickel is one of the most admired of all U.S. coins. Its design is true Americana! The years of its reign, 1913 to 1938, takes us through some of the most memorable periods in the history of the United States - the first World War, Prohibition and the Roaring 20’s, and the Great Depression - times we must not forget.

Each hobo nickel is unique as they were all individually hand carved, using the design of either the Indian or the buffalo as a base, and altering it to another design altogether. The Indian has been changed into clowns, women, other Indians, friends and loved ones, bearded men, ethnic figures, famous people, and self portraits. The buffalo has been turned into men with backpacks, and animals such as a donkey or elephant. The influence of the events of the times can be plainly seen as we view hoboes, servicemen in uniform, flapper girls, prisoners in chain gang garb, shopkeepers, and read dates, names, places, or other inscriptions put on the coins.

These nickels, carved by yesterday’s homeless, were traded for meals, a place to sleep, a ride, or other favors. Some were carved with images of loved ones as mementos of better times, or to honor those lost to time. The specimens in our collections have stories to tell - wonderful stories to teach and educate future generations about men and women who struggled to survive, yet kept their faith in our Creator, themselves, and the American dream. They may have been wanderers, but they worked hard for what they needed, helped each other, and honored a code among hoboes. ••• OHNS

To access a diverse resource on Classic and Recent carved nickels visit www.hobonickels.org and let me know what you think of our efforts.

Verne "V-Dubya" Walrafen
walrafen@•••
•••gmmnut.com
Original Hobo Nickel Society

       

walrafen's Collections

Carved "Hobo" Nickels (plus other COOL carvings)