A burgeoning art form that has steadily gained momentum since the early 1980s, carving hobo nickels “feels like meditation” to one Canadian producer. Because they are individually carved, hobo nickels – essentially bas-relief sculptures – are all unique works of art, something that appeals to collectors and carvers alike. While there’s no Canadian club focusing solely on hobo nickels – a generic term encompassing artistically altered coins – the U.S.-based Original Hobo Nickel Society (OHNS) is coming up on its 30th anniversary in 2022. It has about 450 active members, dozens of which are from Canada. “Hobo nickels did originate in the U.S. because the coin is an American coin,” said OHNS President Caroline Bastable, of the “Buffalo” five-cent coin (also known as the “Indian Head” nickel) issued by the U.S. Mint in 1913. Continue reading →
Hobo nickels originated in the United States, where early carvers took advantage of the low-value 1913 ‘Indian Head’ nickel, whose large portrait lends itself to sculpting.
