Kaiser Bill and the Uniquely American Hobo Nickel

Editor's Intro: The 1913 copper-nickel Indian Head or Buffalo Nickel proved to be particularly malleable and easily modified if you had the right tools. Almost immediately after issue, craftsmen started to turn them into souvenirs.  At the outbreak of the Great War the following year, the profile of the  villainous Kaiser Wilhelm II was a close match for the Indian Head side of the coin, so he became the first popular subject for the hobbyists.  Furthermore, when America entered the war, many of the new troops left for France from the port of Hoboken, New Jersey. So—by one theory—the nickname for these altered coins that were becoming very popular during the war, "Hobo Nickel," was given by the Doughboys who were passing through "Hobo"-ken.  Today, they are valued collectibles and some consider Hobo Nickels (at least those showing the Kaiser) as early trench art. Here, from their newsletter, the Original Hobo Nickel Society gives the background of the origins of what has become a popular hobby in America.

Uncle Sam on the Left Was Another Popular Subject

An Assortment of Kaisers

 

Source:  Learn more about the Hobo Nickels HERE