Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
WOODEN NICKELS: Difference between revisions
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In more recent times, wooden nickel trading has become more popular. Individuals can have their own personalized token made and then trade with others who also have had their own made. This is especially popular in geocaching. | In more recent times, wooden nickel trading has become more popular. Individuals can have their own personalized token made and then trade with others who also have had their own made. This is especially popular in geocaching. | ||
[[Image:don't.jpg|left|thumb|150px|]]An American adage, "Don't take any wooden nickels" is considered a lighthearted reminder to be cautious in one's dealings. This adage, too, precedes the use of wooden nickels as a replacement currency, suggesting that its origins lie not in the genuine monetary value of nickels but rather in their purely commemorative nature. | [[Image:don't.jpg|left|thumb|150px|]]An American adage, "Don't take any wooden nickels" is considered a lighthearted reminder to be cautious in one's dealings. This adage, too, precedes the use of wooden nickels as a replacement currency, suggesting that its origins lie not in the genuine monetary value of nickels but rather in their purely commemorative nature. (1) | ||
In May, 2026 Dubuque [[FARMERS' MARKET]] organizers asked customers to exchange wooden tokens after discovering counterfeit tokens were used at previous markets. Small wooden tokens were used at the market as currency with all vendors to reduce any discrepancy in cash and card use. However, the token system is being suspended after $55 in counterfeit tokens were discovered. | |||
The market is halting all sales of the tokens immediately, offering to replace any previously purchased tokens at its May 23 market. All customers were asked exchange their wooden tokens for temporary plastic yellow tokens as organizers worked with sponsors to provide a more permanent alternative. The market is working with [[DUTRAC COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION]] to offer a mobile ATM at the May 23 market while Farm Bureau Insurance services helped develop a more permanent solution. | |||
Iowa’s oldest farmers’ market operated every Saturday morning from 7 a.m. to noon May through September and from 8 a.m. to noon in October. | |||
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Wikipedia. Online: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wooden_nickel | 1. Wikipedia. Online: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wooden_nickel | ||
2. Turnbough, Turner, "Dubuque Farmers’ Market Ends Popular Token Program After Discovering Counterfeits," KCRG Online: May 22, 2026. https://www.kcrg.com/2026/05/22/fraud-discovered-dubuque-farmers-market-token-exchange-offered/ | |||
[[Category: Wooden Nickels]] | [[Category: Wooden Nickels]] | ||
Latest revision as of 19:45, 5 June 2026
WOODEN NICKELS. SCRIP and tokens have been issued locally in times of severe economic distress such as financial crises and the CIVIL WAR. During the GREAT DEPRESSION, a local bank in Tenino, Washington, issued emergency currency printed on thin shingles of wood. Blaine, Washington, soon did the same with both flat scrip and, in response to requests generated by news and word of mouth, coins that included a 5-cent piece. The Chicago World's Fair in 1933 issued wooden nickels as souvenirs, and the tradition of wooden nickels as tokens and souvenirs continues to the present day.
In more recent times, wooden nickel trading has become more popular. Individuals can have their own personalized token made and then trade with others who also have had their own made. This is especially popular in geocaching.
An American adage, "Don't take any wooden nickels" is considered a lighthearted reminder to be cautious in one's dealings. This adage, too, precedes the use of wooden nickels as a replacement currency, suggesting that its origins lie not in the genuine monetary value of nickels but rather in their purely commemorative nature. (1)
In May, 2026 Dubuque FARMERS' MARKET organizers asked customers to exchange wooden tokens after discovering counterfeit tokens were used at previous markets. Small wooden tokens were used at the market as currency with all vendors to reduce any discrepancy in cash and card use. However, the token system is being suspended after $55 in counterfeit tokens were discovered.
The market is halting all sales of the tokens immediately, offering to replace any previously purchased tokens at its May 23 market. All customers were asked exchange their wooden tokens for temporary plastic yellow tokens as organizers worked with sponsors to provide a more permanent alternative. The market is working with DUTRAC COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION to offer a mobile ATM at the May 23 market while Farm Bureau Insurance services helped develop a more permanent solution.
Iowa’s oldest farmers’ market operated every Saturday morning from 7 a.m. to noon May through September and from 8 a.m. to noon in October.
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Source:
1. Wikipedia. Online: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wooden_nickel
2. Turnbough, Turner, "Dubuque Farmers’ Market Ends Popular Token Program After Discovering Counterfeits," KCRG Online: May 22, 2026. https://www.kcrg.com/2026/05/22/fraud-discovered-dubuque-farmers-market-token-exchange-offered/