This 1 1/2″ wooden nickel is a unique piece of exonumia created for advertising and promotional purposes, honoring Gene Keeney from Indianapolis, Indiana. The front of the nickel features “Gene Keeney The Keen Genii” at the top half and “Kahn’s Magic Man” at the bottom half, reflecting his dual role as both a magician and a representative for Kahn’s Meat Company. Gene Keeney traveled across the country, incorporating magic into his promotional shows, where he used his skillful illusions to pitch Kahn meats, blending entertainment with advertising in a truly memorable way. The reverse side showcases an image of an Indian head with the words “Wooden Nickel” across the top, adding a vintage and Americana touch to the design.

Gene Keeney was also one of the founding members of IBM Ring 10, a group whose legacy was so closely tied to his contributions that the club was eventually named in his honor. This wooden nickel serves as both a tribute to his influence in the magic community and as a functional advertising piece from his time with Kahn’s Meat Company, making it a prized collectible for fans of magic history and exonumia.