COINS
Indian Head Nickel Fair / Good
Key Facts & Value
Key Fact
Description
This item features a Buffalo nickel, a popular U.S. coin. The reverse side displays a bison, and the obverse depicts a Native American profile. The coin is housed in a protective cardboard holder, indicating it is a collectible piece. The holder has handwritten annotations identifying it as a 'Hobo Nic Kel' signed by 'C.J. - Charlie Johnson Mohawk'.
History
The Buffalo nickel, officially known as the Indian Head nickel, was minted from 1913 to 1938. Designed by James Earle Fraser, it is celebrated for its realistic portrayal of a Native American and a bison. The term 'Hobo Nickel' typically refers to coins that have been altered by carving or engraving, often by hobos during the Great Depression. Charlie Johnson, the purported artist of this particular alteration, adds a layer of folk art history to the piece.
Facts
Hobo nickels are a fascinating niche within coin collecting, representing a unique form of folk art created on circulating currency. The artistry involved in transforming a standard coin into a personalized piece of art is highly regarded. These altered coins often carry stories of their creators and the times in which they were made, making them culturally significant. The value of a hobo nickel can vary greatly depending on the quality of the carving and the reputation of the artist.
Value Fact
This altered nickel is marked at $17.95, a price point that reflects its status as a hobo nickel. The market for hobo nickels is driven by collector interest in their artistic merit and historical context. While not a mint-state coin, its unique modifications and attributed artist make it appealing to collectors of Americana and folk art. The price is competitive for a custom-altered coin of this type.
Item Details
Official Details
Variation Details
trimble73 Details
Collectibles.com is operated by Collectbase Inc., a Delaware corporation. Collectible valuations, price estimates, and AI-assisted identifications are provided for informational and reference purposes only and do not constitute professional appraisals, financial advice, or guarantees of market value. Trademarks, card images, and intellectual property belonging to third-party rights holders are displayed solely for identification, valuation reference, and collection management purposes; Collectbase Inc. is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any such rights holders. User-generated content reflects the views of individual community members and not those of Collectbase Inc. This platform may earn affiliate commissions on qualifying purchases made through third-party links. The platform is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, and Collectbase Inc. shall not be liable for any damages arising from use of this platform or reliance on its content. For full details governing your use of this platform and our privacy practices, see our Terms of Service and PrivacyPolicy.
© 2026 Collectbase Inc. All rights reserved.
This site and associated apps contain copyrighted material including card images, trademarks, and text belonging to The Pokémon Company International, Nintendo, GAME FREAK inc., Wizards of the Coast, Major League Baseball Properties, Inc., NBA Properties, Inc., NFL Properties LLC, NHL Enterprises, L.P., Topps, Panini America, Inc., Upper Deck, and all other respective rights holders. Such material is displayed solely for the purposes of identification, pricing reference, collection management, and to facilitate the buying, selling, and trading of physical collectibles by collectors. Collectbase Inc. is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any of the foregoing entities, and no challenge to their intellectual property rights or ownership is intended or implied.