Obverse Design

Indian Bust facing left with the legend "WOODEN NICKEL" above. Circle around the Indian Bust and legend. This design is apparently the "1. Indian head without U.S.A." design on the Old Time Wooden Nickel Company's museum page.

Reverse Design Legend "Club El Marino" above. Legend "Coco Solo, C.Z." below. The center has a motto "THE MAJORITY OF US THOROUGHLY ENJOY LIFE".
Color Navy blue print on natural wood.
Material Wood. Weight About 2.5 grams. Size and Shape Round, 37.5 mm in diameter.
Dates Issued Unknown (1970's?).
Issuer Club El Marino based in Coco Solo, Canal Zone. Translated from the Spanish, "Club El Marino" means "The Sailor Club". Please e-mail me if you know more about this club.
Mintage Unknown.
Rarity Common. Manufacturer Probably the Old Time Wooden Nickel Company. Other Catalog Numbers Asociación Numismático's FM-2, Henkle's CZ-16.
Varieties There are a total of three varieties known. One variety uses a silver background instead of the natural wood, and says "SILVER NICKEL" on the obverse. Two varieties use the natural wood background, one with blue print and one with black print.
Function The function of this piece is unknown besides what can be deduced from the piece itself. This could be a drink marker from a bar, a souvenir from a drinking club or a souvenir from a boating and yachting club. I would appreciate e-mail from anyone who can add anything.
Population Count Twelve specimens in collector hands are known to me. Recent sales include:
  1. Auction sale on ebay on July 15, 2001 for $9.99 plus $2.00 shipping.
  2. Auction sale on ebay on January 8, 2003 for $12.51 plus $1.25 shipping.
  3. Auction sale on ebay on January 19, 2003 for $8.00 plus $1.50 shipping.
  4. Auction sale on ebay on February 25, 2003 for $4.52 plus $1.25 shipping.
  5. Private sale February 2003, asking price $5.
  6. Auction sale on ebay on April 11, 2003 for $9.00 plus $1.25 shipping.

Coco Solo Naval Base about 1928
Coco Solo Naval Base about 1928
Other From Picturesque Panama by Jean Sadler Heald pc70-01