Modified Skull Nickel Coin - 2005 U.S. Five-Cent Art Piece #1731572 (License: Personal Use)

This meticulously modified 2005 U.S. nickel replaces Thomas Jefferson’s traditional portrait with a hyper-realistic human skull, complete with hollow eye sockets, nasal cavity, and visible teeth-crafted to evoke themes of mortality and rebellion. The original inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “Liberty, P,” and “2005” remain intact, creating a powerful juxtaposition of national iconography and memento mori artistry. The coin’s silver-toned surface shows fine tooling marks, suggesting hand-engraving or micro-sculpting techniques.

Used in articles or galleries about altered currency art, outsider art, or symbolic numismatics; appeals to collectors, tattoo artists, goth/alternative culture enthusiasts, and those exploring themes of death, satire, or anti-establishment expression.