[rabenson]

Although the history of carving miniature bas relief sculptures into coins stretches back to the 18th century if not earlier, it was greatly popularized in the early 20th century with the introduction of the Buffalo nickel. This particular coin was minted using soft metal and was imprinted with the portrait of an indian with bold features, making it easier to deface and transform into the portraits of other people, animals, or even scenery. Add to that the idle hands of unemployed artists during the depression (thus, “hobo”) and soon a flood of curious numismatic treasures were born.

[redelefant]

[collaredgirl65]

Awesome!

[juliemd]

[kellyhound]

great skills

[Arkoquisa]

amazing skulls

[prax22a]

Love the Czar Nicholas one.

[GODREKR]

I was just reading about this recently. These coins can sell anywhere from $45 to $4500, depending on the artist, age, condition and intricacy of the work.

[Wolf]

Nice!

[Blewvane]

Some people have way too much spare time on their hands, which in this case is a good thing as these are cool.