Old Sailor Hobo Coin 1888 – Gothic Collectible

This old sailor hobo coin features a weathered sea captain with wild flowing hair and mustache, deeply wrinkled face showing years at sea, smoking a pipe with pointed ears adding character, in an 1888 carved design. The intricate relief work captures the essence of maritime life and seafaring tradition, with exceptional detail in the weathered features and wild hair creating an authentic portrait of a life spent on the ocean. A characterful piece that combines nautical history, hobo nickel portraiture, and seafaring culture into one striking collectible.

Hobo nickel carving emerged in the early 20th century as itinerant artists transformed Buffalo nickels and Morgan dollars into miniature sculptural masterpieces. Portrait carving became one of the most popular forms, with artists creating characters ranging from historical figures to everyday people. This coin celebrates the old sailor or sea captain—a figure who represents adventure, endurance, and the romance of maritime life. The weathered face with deep wrinkles tells the story of years spent battling wind and waves, while the wild flowing hair and mustache suggest a life lived on the edge of civilization. The pipe adds authenticity to the seafaring character, and the pointed ears give the portrait a slightly mythical quality, perhaps suggesting the sailor has become part of the sea's legends. The 1888 Morgan Dollar base connects this piece to the era of great sailing ships and maritime exploration. This piece is a Gothic nautical collectible coin designed for display and collection.

About the Design

The obverse features exceptional carving detail in the old sailor's face, from the deeply wrinkled features that show years of sun and salt exposure to the wild flowing hair and mustache that frame the portrait. The pipe adds character and authenticity, while the pointed ears give the figure a distinctive, almost mythical quality. The hobo-style engraving technique creates depth and texture that brings the portrait to life. The "E Pluribus Unum" inscription and decorative stars maintain the Morgan Dollar aesthetic while the carved imagery transforms it into maritime portrait art. The antique silver finish enhances the aged, weathered quality that suits the old sailor theme perfectly.

Product Features

• Design: Weathered old sailor with pipe, wild hair and mustache, deeply wrinkled face, pointed ears
• Material: Copper base with antique silver-tone plating
• Diameter: 40mm
• Weight: Approx. 30-40g
• Finish: Antique patina with deep relief carving effect
• Packaging: Protective transparent display capsule

Perfect For

• Hobo nickel and carved coin collectors
• Nautical and maritime history enthusiasts
• Sailing and seafaring culture collectors
• Ideal for shadow boxes, collector cabinets, nautical displays, or gothic décor setups

Shipping

Free worldwide tracked shipping. Estimated delivery 9–14 days. Each coin is securely packaged for safe arrival.

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This item is a commemorative collectible and is not affiliated with any official government mint or legal tender authority. It is intended for display and collecting purposes only.

Because every collection deserves one more coin.