The World’s Largest Wooden Nickel

4,000 pound wooden nickel Maizy (Atlas Obscura User)

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Made from southern yellow pine, the World’s Largest Wooden Nickel measures 16 feet in diameter. It was erected by Jim Glasgow in 2006, during a time when locals were protesting the widening and redevelopment of the highway that it is located next to.

It took approximately six months to build the massive wooden coin, which is supported by eight stainless steel rods drilled through the centers of the pine beams. According to the Iowa City Press-Citizen, Glasgow called the Historical Wooden Nickel Museum in San Antonio, Texas, after the project was finished to let them know that he had built a bigger wooden nickel.

It would be easy to zip right past before noticing the enormous, looming coin along the side of the road. But, once you catch a glimpse you feel the sudden urge to loop around and pull over to admire the structure that could never be considered mere pocket change.

Know Before You Go

Located on the east side of Hwy W66, just north of where the Iowa River crosses the highway. There is no lot parking near the site, but there are places on both sides of the road one can pull of the road to safely get a picture or two.