(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-510R-2d, Ch. Hermann & Co. WI

Coin Details

Description

Ch. Hermann & Co. of Milwaukee issued this token as emergency currency during the Civil War coin shortage. Milwaukee was Wisconsin's largest city and a major brewing and manufacturing center, with its large German immigrant population strongly supporting the Union cause. The 15 cataloged varieties for Ch. Hermann & Co. indicate a notable level of token production. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 510R-2d) is somewhat scarce. Die sinkers offered merchants a choice of metals, with copper being cheapest and most common, while silver and gold were struck for collectors. Civil War tokens addressed a practical problem: the wartime disappearance of federal small change made daily transactions nearly impossible without private substitutes. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 15 cataloged varieties, Ch. Hermann & Co. was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 510R-2d