(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-510I-1b, WI

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card issued by D.J. Doornink of 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. D.J. Doornink issued 5 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in brass, this die combination (Fuld 510I-1b) is common to somewhat scarce. Although undated, this token was produced during the 1862-1864 period when federal coins disappeared from commerce. Die sinkers produced these tokens on hand-operated screw presses, often filling orders for multiple merchants simultaneously. The hoarding of federal coinage created an acute shortage of small change, prompting thousands of merchants to issue tokens as practical substitutes. Brass strikings are among the more available variants, though less common than copper.

Rarity Notes

Brass strikings are among the more available metal variants, though typically less common than copper. With 5 cataloged varieties, D.J. Doornink was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 510I-1b