Introducing Flat Top

By Chris Dempsey LM64

Had I not needed a 1928-D nickel for my date and mintmark hobo nickel collection, it is likely that this carver would not have been named quite so soon. I acquired the first coin pictured, on a 1928-D as part of a trade with a friend who knew that I needed the date for my collection. The second example shown, on a 1935-D host coin, I purchased from a dealer out west in November 2013. Shortly after my purchase, and as he often does, OHNS Archivist Art DelFavero located a third example in the archives, also on a 1935 host coin.

I was having some trouble naming this one, so Steve Alpert suggested we keep it simple. As such I am naming this one "Flat Top."

The carving characteristics for "Flat Top" are as follows:

1. Flat top derby that varies from high top to low top.
2. Thin wrap-around hat brim.
3. Three-section hat bow rests on the raised hat brim.
4. Highly altered profile with a crooked nose, altered eye, short chin, and Adams Apple cut from neck.
5. Tiny circle ear with a small hollow in the center is tucked up against the hat brim.
6. Plain collar sometimes utilized.
7. Fields smoothly dressed.
8. Date and LIBERTY left intact.
9. At the time of this write-up, carvings by "Flat Top" are on late date host coins.