From the Spring 2020 issue of Bo Tales, the official publication of the Original Hobo Nickel Society, Inc:

The Original Hobo Nickel Society has just reprinted its Hobo Nickel Guidebook authored by Stephen P. Alpert, which presents an up to date guide to hobo nickels and their values. Bothclassic old hobo nickels and modern creations are presented, with information on how to tell them apart. Over 700 enlarged photographs of hobo nickels are illustrated in the 126 pagespiral-wire-bound book.

The purpose, methods of creation, and the components of hobo nickels are discussed. The most common type of hobo nickel is the standard design depicting a bearded man wearing a derby. Othersubjects include ethnic figures, hatless men, soldiers, women, famous people, and altered buffaloes (changed into a man or a different animal). All these are discussed and illustrated in thebook.

The OHNS Quality Designation scale for hobo nickels (Crude to Superior) is explained, and examples and general values for each are given, along with the factors affecting a hobo nickel'sdesirability.

An Artist Gallery chapter covers dozens of old, nicknamed, and modern hobo nickel artists with examples of their work. And an Auction Photo Gallery illustrates hundreds of hobo nickels sold inpast OHNS auctions, along with the hammer price of each. This is valuable information as the most desirable hobo nickels (both old and modern) sell for $1,000.00 to $2,000.00 apiece.

Other chapters cover cast fakes, hobo tokens, and other similarly altered coins, both U.S. and foreign.

For more information on the book, see:
http://www.hobonickels.org/guidbook.htm

For more information on OHNS, or to join, see:
http://www.hobonickels.org/