MICRO-MEN ON HOBO NICKELS

In the last issue of BoTails, many learned about mini-men or little men hobo nickels. They are carvings of men from head to toe, although a few carvers may opt to end the mini-man at the thigh. Historically, there is another term for some of these carvings and that is bindlestiff. This term is specific for a hobo carrying a bindle. The bindle is the stick with an attached sack of belongings. Not all mini-men have bindles, some have walking sticks, some have sacks slung across their backs much like Santa Claus, and still others my not carry anything at all. A term or classification was needed for the broader group.

For classic hobo nickel collectors, there are only a few known artists that carved miniature men. Currently recognized hobo nickels for mini-men are “V” Neck, Hunchback, Long Coat, Twofer, and Sharp Ear. The hobo nickel “Dicer” that sold in the FUN 2013 auction for a record $24,200 could be considered mini-men, but there is an even better term that was also coined at the FUN 2013 show. In the Hobo Nickels With Mini-Men exhibit, there was reference to “Micro-Men”. The three men in “Dicer” can also be described as micro-men.

“Micro-men” is both a subcategory of mini-men and can also stand on its own as a category unto itself. With many modern carvers using microscopes, the detail is phenomenal and as a result many subjects have been reduced further in size. To be a micro-man, the little person must be a component of a bigger picture. Generally the design can stand on its own with the removal of the person as he is just an adjunct whereas the mini-man is the primary object. He should be no larger than a tenth of the size of the coin and can be far smaller.

There were several micro-men shown in the exhibit at FUN. One was by a well-known miniature artist, Robert Shamey. He is perhaps best known for carving a toothpick into a train. Works like that got him noticed in circles outside of the hobo nickel hobby. His miniature train theme has also appeared on the rim of coin.

Over the last few years, Ron Landis has begun carving coins that warrant another term to be added to the quality designation forms. His painstaking microscopic carvings of late should be called Stupendous, rather than be grouped in with the “mere” Superior carvings. In the recent OHNS auction, Landis supplied bidders with another fantastic carving of micro-men and a boxcar. All totaled, Landis fit seven men into the design and believe it or not, there was even room for more if he wanted.

The skill level involved in making these coins is amazing. Many equal or even surpass the best classic cameo hobo nickels. However, remember that most are made by trained artists and professional engravers verses itinerant laborers. Also, the modern age has provided all sorts of fancy equipment to aid in these works of art, such as air powered gravers, microscopes, and at the very least, jeweler’s visors. Through creativity, ingenuity, and technology, today’s collector has some magnificent selections to choose from.

For more information on the Original Hobo Nickel Society, see: www.hobonickels.org

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