Introducing Flat Nose


By By Stephen Alpert HLM10

Flat Nose is an early hobo nickel maker, nicknamed by Stephen Alpert in the April-May-June 2000 issue of BoTales. The artist is so nicknamed because of the characteristic flattening of the surface (not profile) of the nose on his works.

Click to view enlargment. Click to view enlargment. Click to view enlargment. Click to view enlargment.

Other diagnostic characteristics of "Flat Nose" hobo nickels are:

  1. A distinctive hat with carved thin brim and bow on the hat band;
  2. A simple collar formed by 2 carved usually parallel lines;
  3. An enlarged nostril;
  4. Punched hair-beard-mustache;
  5. The hair may extend outward to the rear under the hat brim, and also forward along the forehead; and
  6. There are crow's feet wrinkles at the corner of the eye.
  7. The ear varies in appearance.

"Flat Nose" hobo nickels are found on coins dating 1913 to 1915.