Object Details
mint
United States Mint
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
Catherine Bullowa
date made
20th century
ID Number
NU.NU60420.003
accession number
222037
catalog number
NU60420.003
Object Name
coin, modified
Physical Description
copper - nickel (overall metal)
0 (overall die axis)
0 (overall die axis measurement)
struck (overall production method)
Measurements
overall: .2 cm x 2.1 cm; 3/32 in x 13/16 in
place made
United States
place of issue
United States
See more items in
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_1106404