Civil War Store Token: H. Upmeyer and U.S. Civil War Cards by Fuld

This archival item consists of materials related to a Civil War store token issued by H. Upmeyer and U.S. Civil War cards by Fuld. The materials describe the economic context of the Civil War, where a lack of metallic coins led tradesmen to issue tokens to facilitate commerce. Many of these tokens, like the one by Upmeyer, featured patriotic subjects. The description also mentions that the irresponsible issuance of these tokens prompted Congress to pass an act in 1864, prohibiting private individuals from issuing money. The item includes references to Stephen Douglas and Rev. Beading, and notes that H. Upmeyer later became part of Bunde (Louis) & Upmeyer, a major jewelry manufacturing company. The token's geographic context is Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and it is made of copper. The materials were created sometime around 1863.

Associated People/Businesses

• UPMEYER, H.

Geography

No geographic information available.

Subjects

• Civil war
• Finance
• Numismatics
• United States--History

Physical Location

Arc.MS.56, Box 20, Folder 7