Hobo Nickels

A "Hobo Nickel" is the name given to American nickel coins that were hand-engraved by homeless people (hobos) during the Great Depression. Hobos used these engravings to increase the value of an ordinary nickel, creating small works of art that they could exchange for food, rides, or other services.

These engravings were often very detailed and creative, and the motifs varied. A common motif, as can be seen in the picture, was a skull. Today, Hobo Nickels are valuable collector's items, and some examples have sold at auction for thousands of dollars.

The picture you showed shows such a nickel redesigned with a skeleton motif. This is a part of the story that reflects creativity and survival during the difficult time of the Great Depression in the United States.