Kilroy Was Here

📀 Collecting Wooden Nickels – Hidden Value in America’s Quirkiest Tokens

Vintage wooden nickels and Round Tuits in a collector’s tray

They may not jingle like coins or flash like gold, but wooden nickels and Round Tuits have a charm all their own. These lightweight, often humorous tokens became part of American life through a mix of depression-era thrift, marketing genius, and novelty appeal. For collectors, they offer more than wood—they hold stories, slogans, and slices of local history from a time when businesses handed out jokes and jingles instead of coupons.

Collecting wooden nickels is about more than assembling a pile of quirky round discs. It’s a gateway into American folk art, Depression-era economics, and mid-century advertising. These wooden rounds once promised free soda, promoted small-town fairs, or served as lighthearted reminders to stop procrastinating—like the famous Round Tuit: “Now you’ve finally got one!”

Despite their low face value (often zero), the cultural value of these tokens has only grown. They offer nostalgia, humor, and a unique window into Americana. Each wooden nickel or Round Tuit is a tiny billboard, often printed with slogans, logos, or event dates that reflect a specific moment in time.

Whether you’re into folk humor, local history, or just love collecting the offbeat, these wooden oddities have something to offer. And once you’ve held a Round Tuit in your hand… you’re officially out of excuses.

📀What Are Wooden Nickels?

Wooden nickels are round wooden tokens that originated as emergency currency but evolved into collectible novelties with deep ties to American culture. First used during the Great Depression, they were issued by banks and local governments when actual coin shortages made everyday transactions difficult. Though their value was often symbolic, some wooden nickels could be redeemed for goods or services—like a free drink, a bag of popcorn, or even admission to a county fair.

By the 1940s and '50s, wooden nickels shifted from functional scrip to promotional giveaways. Local businesses handed them out with slogans like “Don’t Take Any Wooden Nickels!” or used them to advertise grand openings, centennial celebrations, and state fairs. Each one told a story—of a time, a place, or a quirky local custom—and that storytelling aspect is a huge part of their appeal today.

The designs were usually simple: one side carried the sponsor’s information, while the other might show an image, mascot, or humorous saying. Most were printed on lightweight wood like birch or maple and came in standard sizes about the diameter of a U.S. half dollar. Others were made in oblong shapes, starbursts, or even square formats—making them eye-catching in a sea of standard coins.

Today, collectors value wooden nickels not just for their age or rarity, but for their regional charm and wit. From banks to bakeries, scout troops to saloons, everyone seemed to have a wooden nickel—and now, they’re a piece of Americana worth holding onto.

📀 The History of Round Tuits

The Round Tuit is one of the most beloved novelty tokens in American culture—small, circular, and bursting with humor. Its name is a pun on the phrase “when I get around to it,” turning a common excuse into a physical object that playfully shames procrastinators. First appearing in the 1950s, Round Tuits quickly became popular as gag gifts, promotional items, and motivational tools.

Early Round Tuits were often handed out by employers, teachers, or public speakers trying to inject a little humor into serious subjects. By physically handing someone “a Round Tuit,” the giver was saying: “Now you have no excuse.” It was lighthearted, memorable, and surprisingly effective. Before long, businesses began printing their logos and slogans on them to turn Round Tuits into portable advertisements.

The variety of designs exploded in the 1960s and ’70s. Some featured wood-burned slogans, others were screen-printed with bright ink. Common sayings included “This is a Round Tuit. Now go do what you said you’d do,” or cheeky jabs like “Congratulations! You finally got a Round Tuit—what’s your next excuse?” They were sold in gift shops, used as business cards, and even mailed with invoices to delinquent customers.

While many people tossed them in drawers or wallets and forgot them, collectors today see Round Tuits as snapshots of American humor and marketing. From serious motivational messages to groan-worthy puns, these tokens have survived for decades—and the joke still lands.

🧰 Materials, Sizes, and Varieties

Making Wooden Nickels

Despite their simple appearance, wooden nickels and Round Tuits come in a surprising range of materials, shapes, and designs. Most are made from lightweight woods like birch, maple, or basswood—chosen for their smooth texture and ability to take ink or stamping cleanly. While natural wood tones are most common, some pieces were dyed or painted in bright colors to help them stand out.

The standard size for a wooden nickel is around 1.5 inches in diameter, closely resembling a U.S. half dollar. Round Tuits often follow the same size, though variations exist—some are oversized, while others come in novelty shapes like ovals, scalloped edges, or even state outlines. Square wooden tokens, though less common, are highly collectible due to their unusual form.

Printing methods also vary. Early examples were rubber-stamped by hand, giving each token a slightly unique appearance. Later, as popularity grew, businesses turned to screen printing and hot stamping for cleaner, bolder graphics. Some high-end versions even included foil accents or woodburned designs, especially on commemorative or limited-edition runs.

Collectors often categorize tokens by theme—advertising, political, humorous, or event-based—and some specialize in very narrow areas, like tokens from one specific state or only Round Tuits with motivational messages. With thousands of variations out there, no two collections look alike, and the hunt for new oddities is half the fun.

🔍 Identifying Valuable Wooden Nickels

Not all wooden nickels are created equal—while most can be picked up for a dollar or two, a rare few are worth much more to collectors. The value of a wooden nickel depends on several factors: age, condition, rarity, design, and historical relevance. Knowing what to look for can help you separate everyday tokens from the truly collectible.

Older wooden nickels, especially those from the 1930s used as local currency during the Great Depression, tend to be more valuable. These early tokens were often issued by banks or city councils and may include a specific redemption value or expiration date. Their limited production and historical significance make them highly sought-after.

Design plays a big role, too. Tokens with unusual shapes, vibrant printing, or rare slogans—particularly political or counterculture messages—are often more collectible. Commemorative issues tied to short-term events, like town centennials or one-time business promotions, are also of interest. A misspelled or misprinted token can even become a prize for niche collectors.

Condition matters, but it’s not everything. A rare wooden nickel with faded ink might still be worth more than a pristine, common example. However, tokens with clear legibility and no warping, chipping, or water damage tend to fetch higher prices—especially when the wood grain is smooth and unblemished.

The best way to gauge value is to check past sales, token catalogs, or collector forums. And as with any collectible, demand is king—if a design strikes a chord with collectors, it can skyrocket in price overnight.

🎯 Who Collects These and Why?

The world of wooden nickels and Round Tuits might seem niche at first glance, but it’s surprisingly diverse and welcoming. Collectors range from seasoned numismatists to casual hobbyists, history buffs, nostalgia lovers, and even business memorabilia enthusiasts. What draws them in isn’t just the tokens themselves—it’s the stories, slogans, and slices of Americana etched into each piece.

Some collectors focus on the history: Depression-era nickels that served as temporary currency offer a tangible link to a time when banks failed and communities improvised. Others are fascinated by mid-century advertising, where every token was a tiny billboard, promoting everything from local diners to savings banks, scout troops, and county fairs.

Round Tuit collectors often come from the world of novelty and motivational memorabilia. The pun-based charm of these tokens has made them a staple among public speakers, educators, and fans of offbeat humor. Some even create displays of different slogans or seek out Tuits in various colors, fonts, or wood types.

There’s also strong crossover with other collectible categories. Folk art collectors appreciate the handmade charm of early tokens. Coin collectors often include wooden tokens in their exonumia collections. And local historians treasure them for their connections to long-gone businesses, civic events, and forgotten hometown traditions.

For many, collecting wooden nickels and Round Tuits isn’t just about monetary value—it’s about preserving the clever, oddball spirit of a uniquely American tradition.

🧳 Storing and Displaying Wooden Tokens

Whether you’ve got a handful of wooden nickels or a full tray of Round Tuits, proper storage and display can turn your collection from a box of curiosities into a showcase of Americana. These tokens may be humble in size, but they deserve the same care and attention given to coins or vintage postcards.

For basic storage, coin flips and plastic binder pages made for large coins (like silver dollars) work well. They protect each piece while keeping both sides visible. Archival-quality pages help prevent fading or discoloration, especially if your tokens have inked designs or colored printing. Always avoid PVC-based plastics, which can damage the wood over time.

Display cases are a great option for showing off your best pieces. Small trays with recessed slots keep the tokens in place and make it easy to sort by theme, location, or type. Shadow boxes or framed corkboards can add a creative flair—especially if you group tokens around a central theme like “Old West Saloons” or “Motivational Tuits.”

Climate control matters, too. Keep tokens out of direct sunlight and away from moisture or extreme heat. While wooden nickels are fairly durable, ink can fade and wood can warp if exposed to harsh conditions. For especially old or fragile tokens, a dry, dark storage box with labeled dividers may be the safest option.

Labeling each piece adds another layer of enjoyment to collecting. Include the issuer, date (if known), location, and any personal notes about where you found it. Not only does it help organize your collection—it tells the story behind the token, which is often the best part.

💬 Buying, Selling, and Trading Tips

Getting started with wooden nickels and Round Tuits is easy—and surprisingly affordable. Most tokens can be found for under a few dollars apiece, especially at flea markets, antique shops, and local coin shows. Online marketplaces like eBay are a treasure trove for both common and rare pieces, but prices can vary wildly based on condition, age, and seller knowledge.

Before buying, always look closely at photos and ask about dimensions, materials, or printing methods if it’s not clear. Some sellers mix modern reproductions with vintage pieces, and while both have value, you’ll want to know what you’re getting. Books and online catalogs can help with pricing, but ultimately, the value is in what you're willing to pay—or trade—for a piece that speaks to you.

Trading is a big part of the fun. Many collectors have duplicates or themed extras they’re willing to swap, especially in online forums or at local hobby meetups. Swapping tokens with fellow collectors adds a personal connection and keeps the hobby vibrant.

Stop in at Kilroy Was Here to see our selection or to trade—whether you're after a vintage soda token or a Round Tuit with attitude, we’re always adding new finds to the pile. Trading in person gives you the chance to inspect quality, learn history, and maybe score a token you never knew existed.

Lastly, remember: these tokens aren’t just collectibles—they’re conversation starters. The more you network, the more you learn, and the better your odds of landing that elusive piece for your growing collection.

📘 Coin Album for Collecting Wooden Nickels

Organize and protect your growing collection of wooden nickels with this premium coin holder!

360 Pockets in Two Sizes: Includes 20 pages—10 with 240 small pockets (3x3cm) and 10 with 120 larger pockets (4x4.5cm)—perfect for wooden nickels, Round Tuits, and novelty tokens.

Secure Flap Design: Each transparent pocket has a flap to prevent sliding or scratching, with space for everything from U.S. pennies to promotional wood rounds.

Durable & Stylish: The PU leather cover is soft, textured, and long-lasting, while stainless steel clips and clear PVC sleeves make viewing and organizing easy and safe.

Perfect for Gifting: Great for beginner collectors and seasoned hobbyists alike. Compact, portable, and ideal for shows, trading, or daily display.

🛒 Buy on Amazon

🔎 Further Reading & Resources

📖 Read: TokenCatalog – Comprehensive Token Reference
🔍 Explore: Wooden Nickel Collectors Club

M L Lamp

ML Lamp is the owner of Kilroy Was Here. After his 20 years of working in Las Vegas in the entertainment promotions field, Mr. Lamp retired in 2002 from his job to pursue his passion for collectibles. Now as a guest speaker and author he’s living the dream, and sharing his warmth with You.