In the United States, a wooden nickel is a wooden token coin, usually issued by a merchant or bank as a promotion, sometimes redeemable for a specific item such as a drink. Scrip and tokens have often been issued locally in times of severe economic distress such as financial crises and the Civil War.

What does wooden nickels mean in slang?

To accept something that proves to be fraudulent or deceitful; to be swindled or conned. Primarily heard in US. I'm done accepting wooden nickels—capricious women who say they love me, then get bored and decide I'm not worth their time.

What does it mean when they say don't take any wooden nickels?

In more recent times, wooden nickel trading has become more popular. ... An American adage, "Don't take any wooden nickels", is considered a lighthearted reminder to be cautious in one's dealings.

What is a wooden nickel worth?

Wooden Nickel Values

Most wooden nickels are quite cheap. Sometimes you can buy handfuls of them for only a few dollars. Many are sold today for less than 50 cents each. Older, scarcer wooden nickels can fetch between $1 to $5 each, based on the demand for the piece.

What is the story about wooden nickels?

Brief History of Wooden Nickels

Wooden nickels became popular in the 1930s though they may date back as far as the 1880s. During the Great Depression, banks in both Tenino and Blaine Washington issued emergency currency printed on thin shingles of wood due to coin shortages. ... Wooden nickels come in a variety of designs.

What's a Wooden Nickel?

Do wooden nickels exist?

Wooden nickels are novelty coins, now scarce but once abundant, especially in the 1930s, though they may date back as far as the 1880s. They were usually commemorative, so, printed by the people throwing fairs or festivals, or by organizations like banks and boy scout troops, and distributed to the masses.

Where did the phrase Wooden Nickel come from?

DON'T TAKE ANY WOODEN NICKELS - "First recorded in about 1915, this expression was originally a warning from friends and relatives to rubes leaving the sticks in the great migration from rural areas to the big cities at the turn of the century.

How much is a 1957 wooden nickel worth?

A typical, well-worn 1957 nickel is worth 7 to 15 cents. Most uncirculated specimens fetch about 50 cents to $2, depending on their condition. The record price for a 1957 no mintmark nickel is $4,313, paid in a 2006 auction for a specimen graded MS66 Full Steps by Professional Coin Grading Service.

What is a misprinted nickel worth?

This 1949 error variety nickel is a scarce coin worth at least $50 in worn condition and more than $150 in uncirculated condition.

What is a plugged nickel?

Origin of plug-nickel

A plug nickel or plugged nickel is a nickel (now a five-cent coin, but originally a one-cent coin and later a three-cent coin) where the "plug" (center disc) has been removed, thus decreasing the metal value of the coin.

What are wooden dollars?

Formal. An internal dispute over costs, margins, allocations etc that make no difference whatsoever to the real profits and costs - it's just an internal departmental spat. The managers sitting above this row comment 'they are simply arguing over wooden dollars' - it doesn't change a thing .

What does ask for nickels on the Dime mean?

The expression means paying or receiving less than full value...similar to "pennies on the dollar" Essentially "nickels on the dime" means "why not ask for half"!

What is a Yankee dime?

Therefore, a Yankee dime is a free reward that doesn't cost anything. ... It defines Yankee dime as “a slang term used in some sections of the United States, particularly in the South, to denote a kiss, just as 'Dutch quarter' is used to mean a hug.

Who first said Don't take any wooden nickels?

In the early 20th century, the expression was “don't take any wooden money,” a phrase that showed up in Sinclair Lewis' 1922 novel “Babbitt.” By at least 1927, smart, slang-slinging American collegians had modified the proverb to the more familiar version “don't take any wooden nickels.”

Where did the phrase tall drink of water come from?

The term originated in the United States, and was presumably used in vaudeville performances. It was derived from earlier Scots lang drink.

What's the rarest nickel?

The 1913 Liberty Nickel is not only the rarest nickel in the world, it is one of the most valuable coins ever. There are only five known 1913 Liberty Nickels and in May 2007, one was sold for nearly $5 million!

Why is a 1964 nickel rare?

The U.S. was experiencing a coin shortage at the time; increased numbers of minor coinage were needed. With the exceptional number of original mintages, the two mint varieties (Philadelphia and Denver) 1964 nickels are very abundant today. Both varieties are collected separately and important to correctly identify.

What is the rarest coin in the world?

• The 1787 Brasher Doubloon. ...
• The 1787 Fugio cent. ...
• The 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar. ...
• The 1343 Edward III Florin. ...
• The 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny. ...
• The 2007 $1 Million Canadian Gold Maple Leaf. ...
• 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel. Scott Olson/Getty Images. ...
• Morgan Silver Dollars. H.

Is a 1960 nickel worth anything?

Value: As a rough estimate of this coins value you can assume this coin in average condition will be valued at somewhere around 5 cents, while one in certified mint state (MS+) condition could bring as much as $39 at auction. ...

Is a 1956 nickel worth anything?

A typical 1956 no mintmark nickel in circulated condition is worth more than its face value — about 7 to 15 cents. Most uncirculated specimens are worth anywhere from 30 cents to $1.

Is a 1958 nickel worth anything?

Circulated 1958 nickels with no mint mark are worth 10 to 20 cents apiece, depending on their individual condition. Most uncirculated specimens are worth 50 cents to $1. The single-finest specimen known (graded by Professional Coin Grading Service as MS66+ Full Steps) sold for $13,512.50 in a 2019 auction.

What are some old idioms?

• Bite the bullet. Meaning: To accept something difficult or unpleasant. ...
• Break the ice. Meaning: To break off a conflict or commence a friendship. ...
• Butter someone up. ...
• Mad as a hatter. ...
• Cat got your tongue? ...
• Barking up the wrong tree. ...
• Turn a blind eye. ...
• Bury the hatchet.

What does the phrase pennies on the dollar mean?

(USA) If something is pennies on the dollar, it's much cheaper than it cost originally. ... Only pennies on the dollar are ever paid. 3. The New York Times. They are now worth pennies on the dollar.

How much is 10 dimes worth?

The dime is a US coin worth ten cents or 1/10 = 2 nickels = 10 pennies. SO, ten dimes make a dollar.