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Hobo nickels

Started by Figleaf, May 24, 2018, 11:25:13 PM

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brandm24

Not familiar with the story, Peter, but sounds like the poster child for "unintended consequences."  :)

Bruce
Always Faithful

brandm24

The two preeminent hobo artists of the early to mid 20th century were Bert Weigand and Bo Hughes. This wonderful piece was carved by Weigand in 1939 and is a portrait of his friend Elizabeth. Elizabeth has never been identified but she was obviously very important to the artist...perhaps a lover or wife.

Weigand often signed his work by removing the L,I and Y in the word Liberty leaving just Bert. This example has been signed that way.

Wouldn't Bert and Elizabeth be astounded that their love token would sell at auction for over $30,000 three quarters of a century after it was carved. A fitting tribute to an obviously special relationship.Hobo Nickel-Elizabeth.jpg

Bruce
Always Faithful

Figleaf

It is touching, with a sad taste, just like the amount paid for it is a sign of not having understood the effect of extreme income inequality on people who would otherwise have contributed to society.

Peter
An unidentified coin is a piece of metal. An identified coin is a piece of history.

brandm24

Quote from: Figleaf on December 15, 2022, 09:47:16 AMIt is touching, with a sad taste, just like the amount paid for it is a sign of not having understood the effect of extreme income inequality on people who would otherwise have contributed to society.

Peter
Agreed, Peter.

Bruce
Always Faithful

brandm24

George Washington (Bo) Hughes was born about 1900 into a poor family of 13 children fathered by a freed slave. He left home at age 15 and would live a hobo's life for the rest of his days. What became of him isn't known but he was last seen in 1980 in a hobo camp in Florida.

At some point early on he met Bert Weigand who became his friend and mentor. Weigand taught him carving and how to survive on the road.  This friendship may have influenced him to carve a group of nickels known today as the Monique Series. Monique must have had a close relationship with Bo much as Bert and Elizabeth had. As is the case with Elizabeth, Monique was never identified.

Interestingly, Hughes carved a number of portraits of Monique over a long period of time. In each one he showed age progression in the face and hair. Researchers have tried to date the pieces by studying the ageing process but can only guess as to the proper order. None were dated.

Hughes rarely signed his work and when he did it was with a GH or GWH below the portrait. Only a single example of one signed BO is known.

Bruce
Monique 1.jpg
Always Faithful

brandm24

Bo Hughes also did at least one self portrait, this one in 1952. It's obvious that he spent a lot of time on it as the surfaces of the host coin have been smoothed over.

As a tribute to him, Georgia numismatist Bill Fivaz had a  personal token struck that portrayed Bo. The dies were cut and tokens struck by hobo nickel specialist Del Romines probably c1980s or 90s.Bo Hughes Self Portrait.jpgBo Hughes-Bill Fivaz Advertising 1.jpgBo Hughes-Bill Fivaz Advertising 2.jpg[attach id=124430]     

Bruce
Always Faithful