What’s a hobo nickel? I’m glad you asked!
“The hobo nickel is a sculptural art form involving the creative modification of small-denomination coins, essentially resulting in miniature bas reliefs. The nickel, because of its size, thickness, and relative softness, was a favoured coin for this purpose.” – Wikipedia
Hobo nickel Google image gallery
Hobo Nickel on Wikipedia
hobonickelart.com
Via David Archer
Related #longread: Twilight Of The Hobos (Buzzfeed):
Minnesota Jim, meanwhile, seems a little confused by the proceedings. His victory seemed, at least in part, based on his age. At 83, he’s one of the few surviving bridgers — hoboes that rode on both steam- and diesel-powered trains during their time — and winning seemed to be a kind of lifetime achievement award. But he cautiously told the local paper that kids today shouldn’t ride the rails. “The trains show no mercy.”