How Do You Tell If A Hobo Nickel Is Original?

To participate in the forum you must log in or register.

Author	Replies: 3 / Views: 972
Rollsearcher37 Pillar of the Community United States 1295 Posts	Posted 03/20/2014 10:35 am I'm considering buying the coin pictured below for my mother's birthday (she loves hobo nickels) and I was wondering if there was a way to tell if one is original? I know there are tons of modern carvings, but this coin sure looks like an original. Kind of rough, if you will. Also, the price I would pay is $30; do you think that is a good deal? Report this Post to the Staff

fioti Pillar of the Community United States 4212 Posts	Posted 03/20/2014 10:59 am Generally, the person selling has some background, or provnenance as to where it originated. Check that 1st. Otherwise, there are several sites showcasing various pieces & their artists. The premier artist, (back when I dabbled) was a fellow named simply "BO". As for the price, I'd say that's more than fair. It does have a look of "age" to it. Mom's gonna love it! Report this Post to the Staff
Libertad Pillar of the Community Canada 3692 Posts	Posted 03/20/2014 11:09 am If you know anything about modern tools you'll know how to spot a modern hobo nickel. If it's all gravers and chisels there's a better chance it's real, but there are ways to age the coin to make the cuts not look fresh anymore (patinas). I personally wouldn't buy any of the originals because they're not as well-made as modern ones, although with moderns I don't know why they use coins at all since they don't resemble the original anymore and could've been made with a regular sheet of metal. Report this Post to the Staff
Libertad Pillar of the Community Canada 3692 Posts	Posted 03/20/2014 11:13 am Look at the fields to check for dimples, evidence of rotary tools. Normally this would be done with a graver or some sandpaper, but the smoothness of your coin around the edges makes me doubt it a bit. The neck particularly looks smoothed out and there's no rim or date, without leaving any tool marks! Report this Post to the Staff
	Replies: 3 / Views: 972

To participate in the forum you must log in or register.

All Forums Category: US Coins and Currency Forums Forum: US Classic and Colonial Coins

The First Dollar, your premier source for bullion and rare coins. See our bullion list on the site and the coin inventory on ebay.

Silver Gold Bull US is the United States leading bullion dealer. We deliver gold coins, gold bars, silver coins, silver bars and precious metals to your door. Order today!

View Last 100 New Topics

View Last 100 Active Topics

Disclaimer: While a tremendous amount of effort goes into ensuring the accuracy of the information contained in this site, Coin Community assumes no liability for errors. Copyright 2005 - 2026 Coin Community Family- all rights reserved worldwide. Use of any images or content on this website without prior written permission of Coin Community or the original lender is strictly prohibited.
Contact Us | Advertise Here | Privacy Policy / Terms of Use

Coin Community Forum

It took 0.24 seconds to rattle this change.