Impressively detailed, these miniature relief sculptures are carved into coins by Paolo Curcio, known artistically as Mr The. The generic term for this art form is hobo nickel, but any denomination of coin may be used. Curcio is particularly good at using clad coins, which are made of multiple layers of metal. He strategically whittles away the surfaces to reveal different colored details and backgrounds.
Skulls and other images of death feature most commonly in hobo nickel art, but Curcio also etches illustrations of figures from literature and pop culture. His specialty is big head/mini man combinations that add a tiny torso, arms and legs to the nickel’s traditional head.
