Indian cent illustrations courtesy of Fox Valley Coins and Diamonds, etc. Kimberly, WI


During  most any war in the past, coins in circulation disappear quickly mainly due to hoarding or purchasing needed items provided through the black market.  During these coin shortages many varieties of substitutes have been created in various metals and paper "good fors" by local businesses, organizations, towns to larger cities and provinces.

One of the most interesting series were struck during our Civil War comprising of political and store card tokens which have similar properties to the then-current circulating Indian Head cents.

My favorite store card was struck in 1863 for Philip Best of the Empire Brewery located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This brewery began as Best & Company in 1844 and has gone through numerous name changes and today it is the well known Pabst Brewing Company producing Pabst Blue Ribbon® beer.

Struck in  bronze with a weight of 4.07 grams, diameter of 19.68 mm and plain edge the obverse portrays a barrel and brewing tools. The legend reads: EMPIRE BREWERY + MILWAUKEE +. The reverse has a beer mug with a full head of foam with date 1863 beneath it surrounded with legend  * PHILIP BEST * LAGER BEER *.