The E-Sylum:  Volume 8, Number 38, September 4, 2005, Article 13

HOBO NICKELS: OLD VS. NEW

In response to Dennis Gregg's query about "old" vs "new"
Hobo nickels (old U.S. Buffalo Nickels carved with fanciful
images), Ralph Winter writes: "I am an avid hobo nickel
collector. I collect and like best the old or classic hobo nickels.
But I also collect some of the modern ones. I am also a member
of the Original Hobo Nickel Society (OHNS)
hobonickels.org. Just going to the OHNS website
and going through the various articles there may help answer
your questions.

My initial response to, "What I don't understand is how the
new 'knock-offs' are seemingly more desired and valuable,
compared to those of the era. Anything you can do to enlighten
me will be greatly appreciated.," is that they aren't more valuable
or desirable, but sometimes they are.

Part of the problem is the availability of high quality old,
original hobo nickels for sale. When they do come up on eBay
auctions they usually command prices much higher than any
newer ones that may be offered. The key word is quality. Also
very important is whether the old hobo nickel carver is known
(actual name or nickname). A known classic carved hobo
nickel almost always will command a high sale price. If you
don't have it, a good book to buy is the "Hobo Nickel
Guidebook" by Stephen P. Alpert. See Guide Book .This will tell you 
a lot about quality and some of the old carvers."

"There are a handful of really gifted carvers today who do
command from $100-$1000 for one of their carvings. These
are sold as works of art. There are a cadre of collectors that
buy these nickels. Scroll through the OHNS website pages and
see some of these truly beautiful nickels."

[The above is a shortened version of Ralph's response, which
included a great deal of additional information and specifics on
hobo nickel pricing. Dennis writes: "Ralph responded with an
incredible amount of information for me to read and digest, that
addressed my questions, and offered more than I could have
imagined. Please thank him publicly for me in your next
newsletter. "

Consider it done. E-Sylum readers are an amazing group with
very diverse interests. The OHNS web site has images of some
very creative and well-executed carvings. Check it out! -Editor]

  Wayne Homren, Editor

	coinbooks.org Web

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