2016-07-26 Tue

Daniel Cross has been engraving Indian Head nickels for five years by using a small tool to smoothen out the hair of the Indian. He was never an artist, but always wanted to be one. Cross revealed that this art form evolved in the early 20th century when these designer coins were traded for food, temporary shelter etc. Though modern techniques are used today to engrave coins, Cross still uses the traditional means of engraving.

One of his hobo nickel creations, “a man with a beard in a golf hat” is showcased at the National Numismatic Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. In 2013, he was honoured by Congress for keeping hobo art original.

These special coins can cost anything between $30 and $300. Cross sold some of his works at the biannual collectibles show in Carthage which was held on Saturday.

There were many kinds of collectors who sold coins, paper bills, baseball cards, postcards, stamps and jewellery.