101949 | UNITED STATES. Valentin Blatz Brewery copper "Civil War" Cent Token.

101949  |  UNITED STATES. Valentin Blatz Brewery copper "Civil War" Cent Token. Issued 1863 as a store card for the Blatz Brewery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (19mm, 6h). By J. Marr.

 

V. BLATZ LAGER BEER, King Gambrinus standing left, holding chalice of beer and resting hand upon sword pommel // CITY BREWERY / & / MALT HOUSE / 1863 / MILWAUKEE. in five lines. Fuld 510E-1a (R3).

 

NGC MS-62 Brown. An ever-popular "Civil War" token that also appeals to aficionados of breweriana.

 

This issue is part of the vast series of Civil War tokens, which were generally one cent-sized tokens meant to convey patriotic messages and/or advertise a particular business. Given the scarcity of minor coinage during the war, these tokens filled a vital role in commerce. In the case of this piece, the Milwaukee-based brewery of the Bavarian-born Valentin Blatz is promoted. The obverse features the standing figure of King Gambrinus, a mythical king of Flanders of Brabant known for his brewing capabilities and celebration of beer. In a sense, he serves as the more modern analog for beer that Dionysios served in the ancient Mediterranean for wine.

 

Upload: 3 July 2023.