Never heard of a Hobo Nickel. AANNNDDD, there is a club for that ... Hobo Nickel Society.
Hobo nickels are hand-carved coins that have been cleverly altered by artists. This style of artwork became especially popular in America in the early 20th century.
Upon hearing the term "Hobo nickel," a cartoonish image is conjured. Perhaps of a small scruffy coin with a stick and bandana sack, meandering along some railroad tracks. You might also think of a nickel used by a vagrant in some fashion, possibly for bus fare or food.
A massive art movement is the last thing to come to mind.
The truth of Hobo nickels is that they are a folk art that carry with them a rich tradition, history, and artistry that gives them value beyond the usual coin collecting.
Who KNEW??? And my husband was a big coin collector. Never heard him mention these.
ReplyDeleteare you sure we weren't married to the same guy? My husband, a big coin collector ... I keep finding them all over the place LOL
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of them and would love to see one!!! Maybe we should make little wooden ones would be fun! xoxoxo