What are wooden nickels?

Crazy4Coins

Just curious,

Where wooden nickels ever used for anything or were they just some kind of novelty?

Randy

Coins101

I have one that indicartes it is good for 5 cents in trade. I got it at a parade back in the early 60's.

Cherwood

We used to get them at the roller rink in the races. You could trade them towards stuff in the snack bar.

Cheryl

Shamika

I believe they work like Civil War store cards. They act as both advertising and currency.

Conder101

During the depression several differnt type of emergency local money arose in communities around the country. One of these was small denominations printed on thin wood flats produced from scrap from lumber mills. At first these were actually used as currency in the local areas but later became used more and more a fundraising item from their sale as souvineers for the local area or community celebration.

As their use in commerce declined and their fundraising and souvineer use increased they became thicker and developed into the more commonly seen round shape we see today.

One of the reasons for the expression "Don't take any wooden nickels" was because the early flats were so thin and fragile that they would break up easily. So if you took the "wooden nickel" you were likely to lose your money through its breakup.

Nysoto

The first depression wooden money was issued in Tenino, Washington in 1932 and 1933. Issued in 25 cent, 50 cent, and $1, they were made of thin slices of spruce, a light, strong, and flexible wood. They quickly became collectors items and very little money was redeemed.

They are found occasionaly on ebay (search Tenino). The 25 cent is by far the most common, I found one at a local coin shop in great condition (although I have no idea how to grade these!). I also found the Tenino centennial issue of 1972. Two years ago the 25 cent was trading for about $30.

The Tenino museum has a great display of all issues of this wooden money.

Smitty79

My wooden nickel.

UncleWiggly

This should help you.Wooden Nickel Collectors Organization



and Wooden Nickel Historical Museum


Jerry

DominusDeus

Here's the only wooden nickel I have. All I know is it's hella old. I know my grandfather had it at one point, and he was born in 1894, and died in 1979 (I was born in '81, so I never knew him.)