Coin collectors today consider the hobo nickel a numismatic treasure, a tribute to long- forgotten folk artists who often literally carved for their supper. The Buffalo nickel debuted in 1913, but it wasn’t until the Great Depression struck that hobo nickel carving reached its peak. During this period, buffalo nickels were the most common nickels in circulation.

The etching of coins goes back to the 18th century, but took on a new life during the Great Depressions. The Buffalo nickel was one of the most common pieces of currency at the time and unemployed, idle hands often shaped it into a new masterpiece. Many of these miniature pieces of art are done in the folk art style but there are still many that are good and gory!

Via Evilry