Shane Hunter Signed Hobo Buffalo Nickel With Card 1937 with signed card or flip insert. Artist signed on reverse. The hobo nickel is a sculptural art form involving the creative modification of small-denomination coins, resulting in miniature bas reliefs. The nickel, due to its size, thickness, & relative softness, was a favored coin. However, "hobo nickel" is generic, as carvings have been made of many different denominations. Its low cost & portability made this medium particularly popular among hobos.