A high-quality modern hand-carved hobo nickel on a 1936 Philadelphia Buffalo nickel host coin. The classic "bearded man with hat" subject — a traditional hobo nickel theme dating back to the original carvers Bertram Wiegand ("Bert") and George Washington "Bo" Hughes — executed here with strong, deep line work and confident detail.

The carving:

• Bearded man wearing a brimmed hat, full profile facing right
• Detailed cross-hatch texture across the crown of the hat
• Long flowing beard with carefully combed line detail
• Sharp brow, prominent nose, mustache, and jawline
• Deep, clean cuts consistent with use of a proper graver (not punch-and-knife work)
• Date "1936" remains visible at lower left along with carver's "F" mark

Carver signature: The reverse carries the carver's hand-engraved signature, reading "Steve O" (or similar) across the buffalo's back. Original buffalo design is otherwise intact, with full "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and "FIVE CENTS" legends.

"Uncle Salty": The original packaging this coin came in identified the piece by the title "Uncle Salty" — an apparent reference to the 1975 Aerosmith song of the same name, written by Steven Tyler and Tom Hamilton (from the album Toys in the Attic). A nice rock-and-roll backstory for a thoughtfully carved piece.

Specifications (host coin):

• Year: 1936
• Designer (original): James Earle Fraser
• Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel
• Weight: 5.0 grams
• Diameter: 21.2 mm
• Edge: Plain

About hobo nickels: Hobo nickels are an American folk art tradition dating to the early 20th century, when itinerant workers and folk artists hand-carved Buffalo nickels (chosen for their thickness, soft alloy, and large prominent profile) into miniature bas-relief portraits. The art form was revived in the 1980s and continues today, with modern carvers organized through the Original Hobo Nickel Society (OHNS, founded 1992). Each carving is one-of-a-kind.

Sold uncertified. A great addition to a hobo nickel collection, Buffalo nickel display, or as a unique conversation piece.

Curiosity Coins — Medway, Massachusetts | Est. 1999 | ANA • PCGS • NGC • Heritage Auctions Member / Buying & selling US and world coins, silver, gold, currency, and collectibles since 1999. Many auctions start at $5 — combined shipping always available. Questions welcome.