The term hobo nickel might conjure an image of a cartoonish coin with a bandana sack meandering along railroad tracks. But these small carvings represent something much deeper—they are tangible remnants of a rich tradition rooted in survival, creativity, and humor, created by people who lived through some of America’s hardest times.
Hobo nickels are hand-carved pieces of American folk art, most commonly made from Buffalo nickels, which were plentiful during the Great Depression. Artists altered these nickels to create miniature works of sculptural folk art. Through creative carving, the coin’s original design transformed into new imagery like bearded hobos, clowns, soldiers, or even self-portraits. Though the practice began in the early 20th century, hobo nickels have evolved into a distinctly American art movement with historical, cultural, and artistic importance.
Historical Context of Hobo Nickels
The Great Depression and the Rise of Hobo Culture
The Great Depression began in 1929 and saw millions of Americans in poverty. Some became hobos who often took freight trains to travel across the country in search of work. This transient lifestyle gave rise to a unique hobo subculture, defined by:
- Resourcefulness: Hobos carried little, so every possession had to serve multiple purposes—including the nickels in their pockets.
- Community: Hobos supported one another, sharing advice and food when they could.
- Communication: They developed their own symbolic language, called hobo code, scratching symbols on fences and buildings to signal where to find food, safe shelter, or work.
In this creative and survival-driven culture, carving nickels became a pastime and a practical tool. A well-carved hobo nickel could be traded for a hot meal or a safe place to sleep. This combination of folk art, currency, and personal storytelling makes hobo nickels culturally significant.
James Earle Fraser: The Designer Behind the Canvas
Before hobos ever touched a Buffalo nickel, James Earle Fraser gave it life. Fraser was born in 1876 in Winona, Minnesota, and grew up on the American frontier, where his childhood experiences shaped his art. His design for the Buffalo nickel featured a bold Native American profile on the obverse and a majestic bison on the reverse—symbolizing the American West.
Fraser’s coin design unintentionally became the perfect canvas for hobo artists. Its large surface, raised relief, and copper-nickel composition made it ideal for carving. As they altered Fraser’s design, hobos created a uniquely American folk art form.
Beyond Nickels: Other Carved Coins
While Buffalo nickels are by far the most famous, some artists experimented with other coins, including Indian Head cents and Wheat cents. These were harder to carve because of their size and thinness, making them rare finds today. However, they are often still considered part of the hobo nickel tradition.
Some modern hobo nickel artists will use other coins like intricately carved Morgan dollars.
Artistic Techniques
Carving, Not Engraving
Hobo nickels are carved, not engraved. Artists would slowly shave, push, and remove small bits of metal to create a bas-relief sculpture, giving the coin’s design texture and depth.
Tools of the Trade
Original artists used whatever they could find, including:
- Pocket knives, awls, and nails.
- Hammers and screwdrivers to punch in texture.
- Scraps of metal shaped into makeshift chisels.
Modern artists have access to advanced tools, including:
- Gravers for clean, precise cuts.
- Burrs attached to rotary tools (like Dremels) for detailed texturing.
- Engraving vises to hold coins in place.
- Magnification tools to enhance precision.
- Polishing tools for a professional finish.
Common Designs
- Bearded hobos in derby hats.
- Clowns, rabbis, soldiers, and women.
- Famous figures like Uncle Sam or Albert Einstein.
The reverse (tails side) was occasionally carved too, turning the buffalo into:
- A turtle, donkey, or boxcar.
- Miniature scenes featuring tiny figures.
Preserving the Text
Many artists left the date and LIBERTY intact, preserving the coin’s identity. This practice reassured people that the coin still held value, even with an altered face.
Notable Hobo Nickel Artists and Their Contributions
Bert Wiegand: The Original Master
Bertram “Bert” Wiegand was born circa 1890 and began carving hobo nickels soon after the Buffalo nickel’s release in 1913. Known for his clean lines and imaginative themes, Bert sometimes signed his work by removing the “LI” and “Y” from LIBERTY, leaving “BERT” behind.
Bo Hughes: The Movement’s Leading Figure
Bert’s student, George Washington “Bo” Hughes, became the most prolific and influential hobo nickel artist. Bo was born around 1900 in Mississippi and lived the hobo life until his disappearance in 1980. His carvings ranged from:
- Classic hobo portraits.
- Clowns, soldiers, and self-portraits.
- Reverse carvings of donkeys, turtles, and trains.
Even after a serious hand injury in 1957, Bo adapted his techniques and continued carving. His post-1957 pieces were often toned a distinct color from being stored in a tobacco tin and are highly prized today.
Modern Artists Keeping the Tradition Alive
Today, a new generation of artists continues carving hobo nickels, blending traditional techniques with modern tools and contemporary themes.
Hobo nickels are more than altered coins—they are small medallic masterpieces that tell the story of America’s resilience and creativity. From their humble origins to their thriving collector market today, they remain a living testament to the enduring power of folk art.
