The hobo nickel is a sculptural art form involving the creative modification of small denomination coins.
The nickel, because of its size, thickness, and relative softness, was a favored coin for this purpose.

The altering of coins dates to the 18th century or earlier. When the buffalo nickel was introduced in 1913
interest increased in creating hobo nickels. About 100,000 classic hobo nickels were created from 1913
to 1930. In the past few years, hobo nickels have gained popularity with many artists.

One such artist is Barcelona-based artist Paolo Curcio who has taken the process to an entirely new level.
His hobo nickels are homages to pop culture, illustrations of literary figures and macabre portraits of skulls.

The following hobo nickels created by Paolo Curcio are examples that make the most (ahem) cents to us.

To see more of Paolo’s amazing creations, click here.