Wooden nickel

Scrip and tokens have often been issued locally in times of severe economic distress such as financial crises and the American Civil War.

[1] 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.

[3] In 2020, Tenino, Washington began issuing wooden scrip again to help its citizens and local merchants via its COVID-19 Grant Recovery program.

[4] Upon successful grant application, the grantee would be able to spend the wooden scrip at participating shops in the town.

[4] An American adage, "Don't take any wooden nickels", is considered a lighthearted reminder to be cautious in one's dealings.