I am semi-retired and enjoy my free time, when available, carving nickels. I started carving nickels in 2007 after seeing some of the beautiful work done by some of the other modern carvers. For me, this is a great form of relaxation and a progression of my interest in hand engraving which I took up in 2005. I am a member in good standing of the OHNS (Original Hobo Nickel Society) and FEGA (Firearms Engravers Guild of America).

The nickels used in creating the hobo nickels which I carve are almost always full horn buffalo nickels and generally have been graded or represented to be extra fine to almost uncirculated. I am not a coin collector and know little about coin grading and rely upon others in the grading of the coin.

Each nickel is engraved on the rim of the coin with my maker's initials "JCD" and numbered and dated with the date of the completion of the carving on the coin. Each Nickel is individually carved and there are no two with the same carving, although there may be more than one of the same subject matter. Where it is appropriate, 24K gold inlay is not unusual in the nickels that I carve. I do not use any paint or chemicals on my nickels. I am not one of the more prolific hobo carvers as I generally spend anywhere from 8 to 14 hours, and sometimes longer, carving a nickel, depending on its complexity.