Kagin's September 2017 West Coast Auction

An original carving by master carver George Washington "Bo" Hughes. It is of the typical hobo nickel subject, a bearded man wearing a hat....

A nice eye appealing original carving by an unknown artist dubbed "Sharp Ear" by the Original Hobo Nickel Society (OHNS). Many original ho...

A handsome original carving by an experienced artist. The subject's hat is especially well done with a curved, slightly raised brim. Well struct...

Great detail on this original carving by an unknown but proficient artist. The hat, collar and coat are expertly done and the subject's ear is p...

This carving has all the identifiable characteristics of a "Bo" carving. The ear, nose and eye are the style employed by Bo on many of his...

Another outstanding carving by an unknown but obviously very talented artist. The smooth crowned derby with no hatband is nicely carved as is the ear

The dark, recessed stippled background on this original carving accents the central figure very dramatically. The hat brim is slightly raised and the

The bow on this original carving's hatband is well to the rear, an unusual feature for a hobo nickel. Curly hair, beard and moustache are featur...

The OHNS graders have labeled this character as "Prince". A high crowned derby with an unusual hatband covers a great deal of this gentlem...

Again, an obvious original carving by "Bo" Hughes and very much in demand among hobo nickel enthusiasts. Coins attributed to Bo, one of on...

The clown was a favorite subject of Bo's carvings as it is believed that amid his vagabond travels he spent some time with carnivals and/or circ...

A wonderful original carving by an unknown adroit artist with many "special" features not seen on a lot of coins in this genre. The eyebro...

Lot of two original pieces. The first is interesting in that the field surrounding the figure has been deeply carved out, leaving a cameo appearance t

Another two-lot offering, both of which portray the typical hobo nickel carvers subject, a bearded man wearing a derby. The first original specimen ha

This is a five piece lot, all original, and all by unknown artists. Coin #1 in the lot depicts a long bearded man with a moustache and eyebrow on a 19

An outstanding, eye appealing top tier original carving on a "S" mint coin, probably from the teens (smaller "s"). Unquestionabl...

This is a modern carving by now deceased Frank Brazzell (initials on reverse between bison's legs). It depicts a WW I soldier, and is a copy of ...

Another modern (post-1982) carving of a skull on a 1936 coin by an unknown artist. This subject seems to be a favorite among many modernists.

This original carving by Bo Hughes exemplifies his best work and should command a runaway price. Coins of this quality, especially a specimen by one o

Another beautiful carving by "Bo". Once again, his style of hair, ear, "ski nose" and collar are unmistakable. The original rose...

An original carving on a 1913-P (T-2) host coin, this unknown artist's works could easily be identified by his ear design. Hobo nickel carvers a...

A very nice (original) example of the typical hobo nickel, a bearded man wearing a derby. The most obvious feature of this man is the huge ear, dispro

This original carving by an unknown artist appears to have been executed mostly by chisel and gravers. The ear is barely visible amid the coarse hair

Seldom does one see as many original George Washington "Bo" Hughes carvings in one sale. This specimen was done during Bo's most profi...

The artist carving this original piece was quite advanced, both in technique and imagination. We see unusual features such as a furrowed brow, accent

A good example of a low-end original carving on a 1918-P host coin by an unknown artist. The hat is roughly outlined and the beard created by the punc

A first year of issue 1913-P (T-1) coin was used for this original carving by an unknown artist. Generally speaking, the date/mintmark of a host coin

Typical hobo nickel subject on a 1936-D coin. Stippled hair and beard with just a trace of an ear visible. An original carving by an unknown artist. A

A modern carving by the late John Dorusa. This depicts an Indian brave with long hair and a headband. Well formed ear.

The "rustic" appearance of this original carving by an unknown artist is quite appealing. The scraggly hair, beard and moustache is differ...

Once again we see a 1913-P (T-1) coin used as the palette for this original carving by an unknown artist. The hat dome is plain with a bow on the hatb

The most obvious features the unknown artist used on thus original carving are the flat derby (no hatband) and the enlarged nose. The eye has been alt

A nice XF 1913-P (T-2) was used for this very eye appealing original carving (artist unknown). A different and interesting technique was used for the

A modern carving by an artist "KP" (on reverse, near bison's head). The subject on this 1930-P dated coin is a large star with a smili...

Another modern carving by "KP", this in deep detail of an obviously very happy big nosed, big mouthed, big eared guy who undoubtedly knows...

#1: Typical hobo nickel carver subject (bearded man wearing a derby). An original carving with the punch method used for the hair and beard. Severa

#1: Bearded man wearing a derby, smoking a cigarette. Interesting shaped ear on subject and no collar. Carved on 1916-P coin. #2: An original car

#1: A modern carving by now deceased John Dorusa, signed "JD" on neck #2: Modern carving, a copy of an original Bo Hughes work of a clow...

#1: Modern carving by now deceased Frank Brazzell. Long, sweeping cuts for hair and beard are diagnostic for this carver. #2: Another modern carvin

This is a very eye appealing original reverse carving of a hobo with a backpack on a 1913-D (T-1) host coin. The buffalo has been transformed into a

A pleasing Gem example of Adolph A. Weinman’s classic depiction of Liberty from the first year of the series. Considered by many to be one of the most

A lustrous Denver Mint half dollar from the first year of Weinman’s design. The strike is clear, the fields are frosty and softly glowing with varied

A sharp and frosty Gem example of an unusual and elusive variety, and the finest of 15 grading events noted at the PCGS website for this issue. This c

Nicely struck and fully brilliant with the barest hint of gold here and there on the obverse. This popular low-mintage date from the first year of the

A frosty Miss Liberty strides confidently toward the dawning day within a shoulder-high mist of sparkling champagne-gold iridescence that originates w

This lustrous branch mint half dollar exhibits warm halos of deep crimson and soft gold iridescence at both rims. The strike is typical for the date w

Deep indigo-violet toning engages much of the obverse on this deeply toned half dollar; the reverse is faintly toned with pale rose-violet iridescence

Lovely pastel shades of rose-gold immediately engage the viewer’s eye on this attractive half dollar, a coin worthy of both its “+” designation and it

A crescent of deeply varied golden toning cascades around the obverse rim from 9 to 4 o’clock, softly blending into the pale pastel field -- the rever

A sparkling Gem example of the date at every turn. Splashes of varied golden tones adorn both sides. The present Gem is about as sharply struck as eve

A frosty and attractively toned example of this early branch mint issue in the series. Soft golden iridescence dominates both sides of this attractive

This lustrous specimen enjoys traces of varied golden toning on both sides. The strike is strong though not complete at the centers -- not at all unus

Here is an altogether pleasing example of this popular and early low-mintage date. Lustrous throughout and brilliant for the most part save for hints

Largely brilliant with warm golden-rose halos at the rims. Softly struck at the centers, typical for the date – finding a sharp 1919-D half dollar is

Frosty and lustrous with whispers of golden toning here and there on both sides. The obverse strike is somewhat soft at the center, not unusual for th

A sharply struck and lustrous Gem with frosty surfaces aglow with warm golden toning highlights. Liberty’s cap and hand details are essentially comple

Satiny and lustrous with a strong strike and with lively toning highlights at the rims. Nearly complete central cap and hand details are among the rew

Frosty and lustrous with whispers of golden toning here and there. The strike is not quite full but such is often the case with this date. As with man

An altogether splendid example of the date and grade combination. Nicely struck for the date – not full, but close – with frosty and lustrous surfaces

A boldly struck specimen of this key-date half dollar -- Liberty’s cap and hand details are crisp and nearly as sharp as ever found for the date. Pale

Warm golden halos engage the rim on both sides of this sharp though lightly circulated specimen. Much luster is retained, especially in the protected

A lustrous and attractive example of the first half dollar coinage since 1921, and from the only mint to strike the denomination this year. Both sides

Here is an exemplary example of the date and grade combination as attested to by the PCGS “+” qualifier and the CAC recognition. The satiny and boldly

This otherwise fully brilliant Gem half dollar exhibits a faint whisper of gold in places on the rims. The frosty surfaces are essentially blemish-fre

The full mint silver-grey brilliance of this beauty is softly muted at the rims by pastel gold and rose toning. The strike is sharp with some thumb an

Nicely lustrous and boldly brilliant with only a whisper of pastel toning in sight. The strike is the typical compromise for the date, between flat an

Bold golden highlights engage the viewer immediately on this satiny Gem half dollar, especially around the brilliant obverse center. The reverse is la

Brilliant, lustrous, and well-struck – this coin wins the trifecta of collecting. Liberty’s head and hand details are well-defined, nearly full in fac

The frosty and fully brilliant surfaces of this delightful Gem afford lively luster and great eye appeal. Denver Mint began half dollar production aga

This frosty and lustrous half dollar enjoys a blush of golden radiance on certain high points of the design. The strike is sharp with essentially full

A beautiful coin, and well-rewarded as such by PCGS and CAC. Fully brilliant and satiny throughout, and with a strike that is crisp and well-presented

This fully brilliant and frosty Denver Mint half dollar exhibits whispers of faint golden iridescence on the obverse. Somewhat lightly struck at the c

This frosty, brilliant, and lustrous Gem has a lot going for it. The surfaces are nearly immaculate, and the eye appeal is substantial. Some flecks of

Frosty and lustrous with a fully brilliant obverse and a richly toned reverse offering deep and varied shades of sunset orange and gold. Only two exam

A fully brilliant and delightfully lustrous example of this popular and elusive variety. The strike is bold, especially at Liberty’s hair and cap deta

A brilliant, satiny, and lustrous Gem with a crisp strike and exceptional eye appeal. As choice as you’ll find at the assigned grade level. PCGS # 65

A lustrous and satiny Gem with a whisper of golden iridescence present. Toning flecks at the R in LIBERTY and at the rising sun on the obverse will se

This lustrous Gem half dollar exhibits a lively degree of golden-orange toning, below the equator on the above, and near the top of the reverse. The s

This sharp and frosty Gem half dollar displays warm sunset orange iridescence at the rims that heightens the overall visual appeal greatly. The strike

Fully brilliant on the frosty obverse with a trace of champagne gold iridescence on the reverse. Nicely impressed at Liberty’s head, less so at her ha

Frosty, brilliant, and lustrous on both sides, with a trace arrangement of champagne gold iridescence present on the reverse. Boldly struck at the cen

Frosty and brilliant with lustrous surfaces throughout. A whisper of golden iridescence graces the obverse, the overall strike is strong, and the eye

Frosty and brilliant throughout with bold central details and excellent all-around eye appeal. The reverse enjoys a rich halo of deep golden iridescen

A beautiful Gem example of an otherwise plentiful date. Satiny and lustrous throughout, the strike is likewise of Gem quality with strong centers on b

Largely brilliant throughout with a hint of sunset orange iridescence at the obverse rim; the reverse periphery is alive with orange and crimson highl

This attractive half dollar is at once frosty, lustrous, and alive with splashes of golden iridescence. The strike is nearly full. The present example

A truly choice half dollar that may just as well be considered a Gem, if for nothing else than its eye appeal. The brilliant and lustrous centers yiel

A gorgeous Gem of the finest order. The lustrous surfaces are largely brilliant with toning here and there, including a crescent of sunset orange irid

Nicely struck and essentially mark-free throughout, this lustrous Gem half dollar from the first year of what would prove to be a tumultuous decade is

This attractive specimen enjoys splashes of crimson-gold and blue at the rim on both sides. The 1940-S is perhaps the most notorious date in the serie

Satiny, brilliant, and highly lustrous with a whisper of golden iridescence here and there. Here is another candidate for “sharpest strike” honors in

Bursts of deep gold-umber grace the satiny and lustrous surfaces of this well-struck Gem half dollar. Essentially full head and branch hand details ar

Frosty and lustrous throughout with an excellent strike at the centers. The present beauty is the finest of only two examples of the date given “+” st

This sharply struck and fully brilliant half dollar presents a good face. A whisper of golden iridescence can be seen, mainly on the obverse. Fewer th

Fully brilliant and nicely lustrous with a hint of golden iridescence at the rims, especially the reverse. Nicely struck with fairly bold central deta

An exquisite Gem with strong mint brilliance and luster; the central details are nearly full as well. Only a half dozen finer grading events have been

This satiny and highly lustrous Gem exhibits pale rose-lilac iridescence in places, the reverse more colorful than the obverse. Nicely struck as well

This nicely struck Gem half dollar is largely brilliant though wisps of pale golden iridescence come into play in a bright light source. Fewer than ha

Boldly lustrous and with a better than average strike for this San Francisco Mint issue. Fewer than 10 examples of the date have been certified finer

This sharply struck Gem enjoys bold design details and fully lustrous surfaces. Wisps of pale peach-gold endorse both sides. Choice and appealing at m