1913-1938 United States Hobo Nickel - Skull

Why purchase a 1913-1938 Skull Design Hobo Nickel for your collection?

The Hobo coin is a form of sculptural art, created by altering the original designs struck into small denomination coins. The U.S. Buffalo Nickel has been a favorite medium for these tiny sculptural masterpieces, due to their size, thickness, and softness of the metal. The Hobo Nickel earned its name because their creation was a popular and affordable pastime for Depression Era hobos, the soft metal allowing carving to be done with simple found objects.

Creative coin alterations

Altered coin sculpture can be traced back to the 18th century. The introduction of the Indian Head/Buffalo Nickel in 1913 provided engravers with an exciting new canvas. The large surface of the Native American's profile inspired more creativity and allowed for finer detailed carvings. This hand-carved Hobo Nickel's obverse has the face transformed into a skull, with the inscriptions "LIBERTY" and the date remaining intact. The reverse design is struck with artist's initials, but otherwise bears the original design.

These wonderful coins have been sculpted by contemporary artists replicating the medium, style, and techniques of the imaginative hobo engravers of the early 20th century. The coins still bear the original coin dates, as struck on Buffalo Nickels during the years of 1913-1938. Dates are random, and because the design is hand-carved, each coin is unique. Trust us to choose the perfect Hobo Nickel for your collection!

Add a skull design Hobo Nickel to your collection today. It will certainly be an exciting conversation piece!