The hobo nickel is a sculptural art form involving the creative modification of small-denomination coins, essentially resulting in miniature bas reliefs. The nickel, because of its size, thickness, and relative softness, was a favored coin for this purpose. However, the term hobo nickel is generic, as carvings have been made from many different denominations.
Due to its low cost and portability, this medium was particularly popular among hobos, hence the name.
Read more about Hobo Nickel: Early Altered Coins (1750s–1913), The Buffalo Nickel, Classic Old Hobo Nickels (1913–1940), Later Old Hobo Nickels (1940–1980), Modern Hobo Nickels (since 1980), Published References
Famous quotes containing the word nickel:
“Castro couldn’t even go to the bathroom unless the Soviet Union put the nickel in the toilet.”
—Richard M. Nixon (1913–1995)