(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-510AO-1e, WI

Coin Details

Description

Civil War merchant token bearing the name of I. Teller, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Milwaukee was Wisconsin's largest city and a major brewing and manufacturing center, with its large German immigrant population strongly supporting the Union cause. I. Teller issued 5 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in white metal, this die combination (Fuld 510AO-1e) is somewhat scarce. No date appears on this token, consistent with the rapid production practices of the 1862-1864 Civil War token boom. Die sinkers offered merchants a choice of metals, with copper being cheapest and most common, while silver and gold were struck for collectors. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from commerce. White metal strikings are less common than copper or brass and show more wear due to the soft alloy.

Rarity Notes

White metal (tin alloy) strikings are less common than copper or brass versions and tend to show more wear due to the softness of the alloy. With 5 cataloged varieties, I. Teller was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 510AO-1e