Are hobo nickels worth anything?

Are hobo nickels worth anything?

Are Hobo Coins Valuable, Then? Commonly found during the Depression era, genuine hobo nickels are relatively rare finds today and are highly sought by some collectors. Some original hobo nickels sell in the 100-300-dollar range, but others have brought as much as $24,000.

How can you tell if a hobo nickel is real?

Cut lines on early hobo nickels show wear, and are smooth to the touch; debris within the cuts, as well as scrapes and gouges, are apparent. All original buffalo hobo coins have early dates and many are carved on one side only; in most cases, with their only tool — a penknife.

What is hobo nickel carving?

The hobo nickel is a sculptural art form involving the creative modification of small-denomination coins, essentially resulting in miniature bas reliefs. Due to its low cost and portability, this medium was particularly popular among hobos, hence the name.

What is a hobo Morgan Dollar?

Morgan Hobo Nickel Coin are one of the most collected coins in the world! We have 559’s of coins in stock and ready to be shipped. this old Coin is made of Brass; the old Coin is plated with 925 sterling silver. This product is handmade crafts. It is not a tradable silver coin, but it is worth your permanent collection …

Where do hobo nickels come from?

The History of Hobo Nickels The first altered coins date back to the 18th century in Britain, France, and South Africa, where people engraved “love tokens” into silver. These metal emblems (usually etched with initials or names) were given as gifts and often incorporated into jewelry.

What were hobo nickels used for?

These “Hobo Nickels” were a way for the vagabonds to increase the value of the coin so that it brought a more advantageous exchange when used to barter for food and drink, or for lodging or transportation. Self-portrait carved by George Washington “Bo” Hughes, one of the premier known hobo nickel artists.

What is the purpose of a hobo nickel?

A hobo nickel is carved as opposed to engraved. Little by little metal is shaved away or mounded to create a miniature bas relief sculpture. Historically these coins were made by hoboes, itinerant workers, who often traveled by hopping freight trains.

Are hobo coins legal?

Are hobo coins worth money? In a word, yes. It’s illegal to alter or deface a coin for fraudulent purposes, but hobo coins weren’t made to defraud. They were typically traded or sold as artwork, but hardly ever spent as nickels.

Is coin rough or smooth?

Pictured above are the four most common U.S. coins — from top to bottom, a dime, penny, nickel, and finally, a quarter — seen from their edges. You’ll note that the edge of both the dime and quarter have ridges, little grooves running perpendicular to the coin face. The penny and nickel, though, have a smooth edge.

Where does the term hobo nickel come from?

The term hobo nickel is used generically for any engraved or carved coin. Nickels are commonly used but just about every coin has been carved at some point or another. The origin of the term hobo nickel as I understand it goes something like this: Back when there were actual real hobos around you could make about $1 a day for unskilled labor.

What kind of carvings do hoboes do?

Occasionally hoboes carved the reverse and on rare occurrences made two-sided carvings. Original reverse carved themes include a turtle, donkey, box car, and miniature men. Reverse carvings are far less common than the obverse portraits.

What should the cutting edge be on hobo nickel?

If you over heat it you will ruin the temper. Once you have created a new point grid three flats to make it triangle shaped. The angle between two of the sides that will become your cutting edge should be around 90° (I think mine is closer to 80°). Next carefully grind a flat on the end of the graver.

Is it illegal to sell a hobo nickel?

The coin is not being made to look like another coin or being represented as such so it is perfectly legal to sell the final product. And lastly, for those that still think it is illegal, how is it that you see those penny squashing machines everywhere if it is so illegal.

Are hobo nickels worth anything? Are Hobo Coins Valuable, Then? Commonly found during the Depression era, genuine hobo nickels are relatively rare finds today and are highly sought by some collectors. Some original hobo nickels sell in the 100-300-dollar range, but others have brought as much as $24,000. How can you tell if a hobo…