In Popular Culture
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. However, such an interpretation should not be altogether ignored: gold-backed currency was in use in the United States until 1933, 90 percent silver coins were still minted until 1964, and 40 percent silver Kennedy half dollars were issued up to 1970.
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