The Plague Doctor Silver War Hobo Nickel is a rare and distinctive hand-carved coin that uses a genuine WWII-era silver nickel as its canvas. This piece features the iconic Plague Doctor mask design, known for its bird-like beak and historical association with doctors treating plague victims in medieval Europe, recreated on a silver war nickel rather than the usual copper-nickel Buffalo nickel.

These silver war nickels, minted during World War II (1942-1945), are composed of 35% silver due to wartime metal shortages, giving the Plague Doctor version both artistic and intrinsic silver value. Artists such as Calab Gregory have gained recognition for carving these detailed and eerie designs into genuine silver nickels from that era, combining historical symbolism with numismatic collectible appeal.

The Silver War Hobo Nickel stands out not only for its exceptional carving detail but also for its rarity, as fewer silver nickels are available for carving compared to traditional Buffalo nickels. The Plague Doctor design often includes motifs like the signature beaked mask, rats, or other gothic elements, enhancing the coin’s storytelling and artistic impact.

Collectors prize these coins for their combination of silver content, historical wartime connection, and masterful folk art carving. Because each is uniquely hand-crafted, they are prized as individual miniature sculptures, bridging numismatics and fine art.

In summary, the Plague Doctor Silver War Hobo Nickel is a rare and highly collectible piece that blends the historic significance of WWII silver nickels with the captivating, macabre artistry of the Plague Doctor theme, making it a prized item among both coin and folk art collectors.