Obverse Design

Indian Bust facing right with the legend "WOODEN" above and the legend "NICKEL" below. Circle around just the Indian Bust; the legends are outside of the circle.

Reverse Design Legend "CROSSROADS COIN CLUB" above. Legend "CURUNDU, CANAL ZONE" below. The center has the legend "COIN SHOW APR. 22-23 1978".
Color Black print on natural wood.
Material Wood. Weight About 2.5 grams. Size and Shape Round, 37.5 mm in diameter.
Dates Issued April, 1978.
Issuer Crossroads Coin Club based in Curundu, Canal Zone. This club was founded in 1964 by Roberto Rosania and originally was named "Clayton Coin Club" or something similar. Crossroads started holding meetings at Fort Clayton and in 1967 moved to the Frank Albrook VFW near Curundu. Around 1978 they moved to the Elks Club on Balboa Road in Balboa. Besides regular meetings Crossroads held auctions and Coin Shows such as the one advertised on this wooden nickel. Sometimes Crossroads and the INS held joint shows. Crossroads Coin Club membership declined after the early 1980's and the club came to an end around 1986. Please e-mail me if you have additional information about this club.
Mintage Unknown.
Rarity Scarce. Manufacturer Probably the Old Time Wooden Nickel Company. Other Catalog Numbers Asociación Numismático's FM-7.
Varieties This is the only known variety.
Function The piece was either an advertisement for a coin show or a souvenir from it. It may have functioned as both.
Population Count Five specimens in collector hands are known to me. Recent sales include:
  1. Private sale in February 2003 for $5.
  2. Auction sale on ebay on August 24, 2003 for $1.99 plus $1.50 shipping.
  3. Auction sale on ebay on November 10, 2003 for $3.24 plus $1.50 shipping.

Crossroads Coin Show at Stevens Circle in 1975
Crossroads Coin Show at Stevens Circle in 1975
Photo courtesy of Robert Karrer. All Rights Reserved.
pc75-01