This is a bear‑face engraving on a 1913 Buffalo nickel, built out of loose, hand‑cut Celtic knots. The knots aren’t machine‑perfect — they’re carved with small variations and uneven curves — but that’s exactly what gives the bear its character. The face comes together in a stylized way, with the knotwork forming the muzzle, cheeks, and brow. It’s a weird little mix of animal carving and knot patterns, and the slight imperfections make it feel handmade instead of factory‑clean.
I carve every coin by hand, keeping the engraving tradition alive: slow cuts, layered depth, and designs that turn regular currency into small pieces of pocket art. If you’re into engraving techniques or hobo nickel history, this one shows off organic knot carving and stylized animal shaping.
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Thanks for bidding — fresh carvings go up every week, always something different on the bench.