"The altering of coins dates from the 18th century or earlier. Beginning in the 1850s, the most common form of coin alteration was the "potty coin", engraved on US Seated Liberty coinage (half dime through trade dollar) and modifying Liberty into a figure sitting on a chamber pot. This period was also the heyday of the love token, which was made by machine-smoothing a coin (usually a silver one, such as a Morgan ollar) on one or both sides, then engraving it with initials, monograms, names, scenes, etc., often with an ornate border. Hundreds of thousands of coins were altered in this manner. They were often mounted on pins or incorporated into bracelets and necklaces. The love-token fad waned in the early 20th century; love tokens engraved on buffalo nickels are rare.
During this period, "hobo" (migrant worker)-style coin alteration also occurred outside the US, primarily in Britain, France, and S. Africa.
Modern artists have created (and continue to create) altered nickels in such large quantities that, within the next few years, the number of modern carvings is expected to surpass that of classic old hobo nickels. Most of the 100,000-plus classic old hobo nickels are not yet in the hands of collectors, whereas almost all modern carvings are. Among numismatists, the modern carvings already greatly outnumber the classic old hobo nickels." - Wikpedia"
This modern hobo coin features a Buffalo nickel transformed into a zombie. It has been set into a 10k yellow gold setting, measures 23mm (not including the bail) and weights 8.1g. You will receive the pictured pendant.
All my pieces ship from my studio in Toronto, ON. Please read my shop policies before purchasing and/or should you have any questions.
You can view my newest pieces on Instagram at @black.umbrella.jewelry
