In 1913 the U.S. Mint coined a new nickel which became known as the Buffalo Nickel. The design for this nickel was created by James Earl Fraser, an extremely talented sculpture and artist. The Obverse of the coin depicts an American Indian and the Reverse depicts the American Buffalo. The Buffalo Nickel is one of the few U.S. coins which is known by the design on the reverse of the coin.

The traditional Hobo Nickel is carved on the obverse of a Buffalo Nickel. The Buffalo Nickel has a large area of raised metal where the Indian's head is located and this presents a great canvas for carving alternative designs. The early Hobo Nickels were often carved by itinerant individuals who would alter the Indian's image by adding hats, beards, mustaches and otherwise altering the Indian's appearance and would trade these coins for food, lodging or other necessities of life.

The tradition of coin carving has survived to this day, although on a somewhat different level. Coins are now carved which depict just about any subject imaginable, from the traditional man with a hat, to actual persons, animals, animated characters or any subject which comes to the mind of the coin carver. The carvers of today are referred to as Modern carvers and their nickels Modern Hobo Nickels. Unlike the carvers of the early part of the last century, the carvers of today will generally put their maker's mark and sometimes number and date on the coin and it can be found on the Obverse, Reverse or Rim of the coin. Enjoy your Visit!