Vintage Saeger's Sandwich Shop, Lima, Ohio Wooden Nickel For Free Cup Of Coffee

Wooden nickels are typically issued by businesses or banks as promotional items, souvenirs, or sometimes as redeemable tokens for specific goods or services.


Historical Context:

While the term "wooden nickel" gained popularity later, similar wooden tokens were reportedly used in the past, including during periods of economic hardship like the American Civil War and the Great Depression, when they might have served as a form of local currency due to coin shortages.

Figurative Meaning:

The phrase "don't take any wooden nickels" is an idiom that means "don't be fooled" or "don't let anyone take advantage of you," stemming from the idea of a worthless or counterfeit coin.

Collectibility:

Some older or historically significant wooden nickels have become collector's items.