My Week of Carving Hobo Nickels: Insights and Adventures

This past week, I’ve been up to my elbows in hobo nickels, turning plain old buffalo nickels into one-of-a-kind pieces. It’s been a blast combining my love for coins with a bit of artistry, and I thought I’d pass along a few thoughts and tips that might help other collectors.

My Recent Carving Projects

I spent the whole week working on buffalo nickels, churning out carvings that really capture the spirit of classic hobo art. These coins are my favorite canvas – that big, flat field and all that history make them perfect. Here’s what kept me busy:

• One shows a face with exaggerated features, really leaning into that rugged hobo look
• Another features a playful character where I played with depth to make it jump off the coin

It’s a patient process, and you’ve got to keep your tools sharp. I rely on fine engraving chisels and a good magnifier to get the details right without messing up the coin.

Practical Advice for Collectors and Carvers

If you’re thinking of trying your hand at hobo nickels, I’d say start with buffalo nickels – they’re affordable and they carve like a dream. Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Material Selection: Pick coins that are in decent shape – skip the really worn ones because they’re tough to carve cleanly
• Carving Techniques: Go easy on the pressure to avoid cracks, and practice on some cheaper coins until you get the hang of it
• Grading Tips: When you’re looking at carved nickels, check for crisp details, a unique design, and as few tool marks as possible. The better the carving, the more it’s worth – sometimes two or three times the value of a regular buffalo nickel

The market for these unique carvings is heating up, especially for pieces with a story or an unusual theme. I always keep tabs on auction prices to see what’s hot.

Special Designs and Innovations

People often ask me for custom jobs, like a guy puffing on a cigar with a big handlebar mustache – it’s a hoot to carve and really gives the coin character. I also love seeing movable parts in carvings; they’re not common, but they’re amazing when done right. I haven’t tried them myself yet, but I’m tinkering with some ideas to take my work to the next level.

The Reverse Side and Preservation

I usually leave the back of the coin alone, keeping the original buffalo design. That way, you still get a sense of the coin’s history, and collectors who like things traditional tend to appreciate it. When you’re checking out a hobo nickel, take a look at the reverse – an untouched back is a good sign of a genuine carving and adds to the coin’s appeal.

Future Plans and Sharing

I’m really pumped about my next set of carvings, and I’m going to film the whole process. Catch the action on my TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8h9AMXj/) for a peek behind the curtain. Sharing this stuff is my way of keeping the hobo nickel craft going and maybe sparking some ideas in fellow collectors.

All in all, carving hobo nickels is a fantastic way to connect with history and let your creativity run wild. Give it a shot, or keep an eye out for these little gems when you’re building your collection. Happy hunting!