Object Details
maker
Jay L. DeBoer
Description (Brief)
One (1) modified coin
United States, 20th century
Obverse Image: A car.
Obverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / FIVE CENTS
Reverse Image: Portrait of a Native American.
Reverse Text: LIBERTY / 1935
General Information: 1935 carved buffalo nickel. Hitch-hiker thumb and car carved on buffalo side. Artist: Jay Deboer
Description
The individuals depicted on American coins are carefully selected, and their portraits are designed under the supervision of U.S. Mint officials. Once these coins enter circulation, however, they can be altered to feature alternative designs. U.S. nickels have often been targeted for modification due to their size and the malleability of their metal. The artfully modified coins are often referred to as hobo nickels because they are inexpensive and portable.
Credit Line
Jay L. DeBoer
date made
1935
2013
ID Number
2013.0275.01
catalog number
2013.0275.01
accession number
2013.0275
Object Name
coin, modified
nickel
Physical Description
nickel; copper (overall material)
Measurements
overall: .2 cm x 2.1 cm; 3/32 in x 13/16 in
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Work and Industry: National Numismatic Collection
Exhibition
Value of Money
Exhibition Location
National Museum of American History
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_1452577