These Coins Were Transformed Into Stunning Works Of Art In A Surprising Way

by N/A, 8 years ago | 2 min read

Shaun Hughes has an unusually striking approach to the art of coin carving. He makes exceptionally cool hobo nickels, and you'll totally want one.

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DeviantArt user shaun750 has perfected the art of the hobo nickel.

A hobo nickel is a preexisting coin–traditionally a buffalo nickel–that's been carved into an altered state, usually a profile of a person. The art form takes its name from hobos (AKA homeless or disenfranchised itinerant workers) who would alter coins as a form of expression and entertainment as they traveled from town to town via rail car, as it was a fairly inexpensive way to create art. DeviantArt user shaun750 has helped to revive the art form, and his creations are remarkably unique and detailed. They're also a fresh take on pop art that maintains a ridiculously cool vintage sensibility. See some of them for yourself below.

The coins altered by shaun750 aren't always nickels, but they're always super cool.

Some have a darkly beautiful tone.

It's amazing that such a complete, remarkable work of art can be completed on such a small canvas–especially one that's so difficult to manipulate.

Some feel pretty punk rock to me.

How cool would it be if this was on circulated currency?

These superhero coins are pop art at its finest.

"Yes, I'll have one gum ball, please. Here's the Hulk's face for payment."

Batman's expression is so detailed, it looks like something right out of a comic book.

I'm amazed at the perfection of the lines on Spider Man's Spidey Suit.

How about this storm trooper?

This one absolutely blows me away. The fact that this was engraved by hand is just unfathomable to me.

There's the mythical Zeus, looking like a boss in currency form.

You could definitely use a ship that looks like a real old-timey nautical coin.

Finally, here's a carving on a 100 Yen coin that's breathtakingly beautiful.