(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-510A-1d, WI

Coin Details

Description

Civil War-era store card from E. Aschermann & Co. of Wisconsin. Wisconsin was a growing frontier state with Milwaukee as its largest commercial center, and its merchants issued tokens as practical solutions to the coin shortage. E. Aschermann & Co. issued 5 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 510A-1d) is somewhat scarce. No date appears on this token, consistent with the rapid production practices of the 1862-1864 Civil War token boom. Token production was a specialized trade — die sinkers maintained catalogs of stock dies that merchants could pair with custom obverses. Federal coinage vanished from circulation after 1861 as citizens hoarded silver and copper for their metal value, leaving merchants to fill the void with tokens. 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 5 cataloged varieties, E. Aschermann & Co. was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 510A-1d