Cheers! Raise a Glass to Budweiser®

May 5th, 2026
Last updated: May 5th, 2026

2003 Colorized Missouri Statehood Quarter - Littleton Coin Blog

Lager. India Pale Ale. Stout. Pilsner. Hefeweizen. According to the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) there are more than 100 different styles to choose from. But regardless of the type of beer you drink, chances are that one of your first glasses was an American classic.

That’s right, we’re talking about Budweiser®!

Today, Budweiser is a globally recognized brand and it is the cornerstone of Anheuser-Busch’s portfolio of more than 1oo alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. But, before becoming one the largest brewery in the world, Anheuser-Busch was a local St. Louis brewer.

Introducing the King of Beers

St. Louis in the late 1850s was a bustling city filled with German immigrants. Among them was Eberhard Anheuser, who came from Kreuznach, Germany. A soap maker who immigrated to the U.S. in 1843, Eberhard had worked his way up the ladder for other soap companies in the area. Taking that experience, Eberhard would become the largest soap manufacturer in the city with his company E. Anheuser & Son.

But Eberhard did not limited his business ventures to soap.

Budweiser Silver Bottle Cap Six Pack with Box - Anheuser-Busch - Littleton Coin Blog

Around the time that Eberhard Anheuser was looking to invest in a new business venture, a local brewery was struggling to stay afloat. Named The Bavarian Brewery, the demand for beer from this neighborhood brewery just wasn’t there. That’s where Eberhard stepped in. While he had no experience with brewing beer, the soap-making aficionado recognized the opportunity in front of him. So, in 1860, he purchased the brewery. Fortunately for Eberhard, he was able to enlist the help of his son-in-law in turning the failing brewery around.

Here’s where we meet Adolphus Busch.

A fellow German immigrant, Adolphus Busch had come to the United States a few years earlier. It was while selling brewing supplies as a young man that he met Lilly. The daughter of Eberhard Anheuser, the two quickly fell head over heels for one another. In 1861, the pair were married in a double wedding ceremony that included Adolphus’ brother, Ulrich, to Lilly’s sister, Anna.

It wouldn’t be much longer until the Civil War was at America’s door. After serving brief enlistment periods for the Union Army, Eberhard and Adolphus returned to St. Louis. Several years later, in 1864, Adolphus went to work at the brewery and by the end of the 1860s he was a partner in the buisness.

150 Brew-tiful Years

It isn’t just America that’s celebrating a milestone anniversary this year. The year 2026 marks 150 years of America’s favorite beer! In 1876, Adolphus Busch revolutionized the beer world. During the mid-1870s, Anheuser-Busch partnered with a St. Louis businessman named Carl Conrad to create a light and effervescent beer that would appeal to every beer drinker. The brewmasters at Anheuser-Busch began working on a recipe for this new style of beer (a lager) and in 1876 Budweiser debuted. Over the next few decades, Anheuser-Busch gained full distribution rights to Budweiser and built it into one of the first national brands of beer.

Budweiser, America’s first beer made for everyone, was born.

Twenty-five years later in 1901, Anheuser-Busch hit the 1-million-barrel mark for annual production. Now ranked as one of the country’s largest breweries, the once struggling company was a huge success. And when Adolphus Busch passed away in 1910, he was content knowing he had secured the future of both his family and his company.

However, that peace was short-lived. In 1920, the enactment of the National Prohibition Act threw the brewing industry into a tailspin. But thanks to August A. Busch Sr., Adolphus and Lilly’s son (and now president of Anheuser-Busch), the fate of the company was secure. Instead of selling beer, the brewery began to diversify. By selling products like soda, baker’s yeast and a non-alcoholic drink called “Bevo” (a play on the Slavic word “pivo” meaning “beer”), the brewery was able to continue.

Thirteen years later, Anheuser-Busch emerged as one of the few remaining breweries in the U.S. after Prohibition had ended. In celebration (and oh boy did the country celebrate!), August Busch Sr. sent a wagon full of beer the former governor of New York City and President Roosevelt. Pulling them? You guessed it – a team of Clydesdales.

The Beer Necessities

From there, Budweiser’s popularity soared and today this classic American beer is brewed around the world. So, to celebrate all things Anheuser-Busch, we’re collaborating with them to bring you the beer necessities for your collection! Please note: These products are intended for purchase by persons of legal alcohol purchase and drinking age.

Budweiser White Brass Stein Bar Set - Littleton Coin Blog

First up on my list is the Great American Six Pack! This particular set is actually the start of a unique series that has 6 bottle cap shaped pieces of silver in a branded box. Or, if you’re interested in owning one cap versus six, you can get an individual bottle cap. This is an especially appealing series if you’re looking to sit back and relax with your friends.

Next these beautiful white brass stein bars are (in my opinion!) a must-have for any beer enthusiast. These Budweiser collectibles each feature a classic image from their annual stein collection. With different images of the world-famous Clydesdales, these bars are perfect for any Budweiser fan.

Finally, we have this limited-edition novelty tap handle that really makes a brew-tiful addition to any collection. This is the first in another new series celebrating the beloved brewery while also being a fun way to show off your love of all things Budweiser. But I will warn you that there are only 250 of each being released… so if you’re interested in owning one, get yours fast because once they’re gone, they’re gone!

And that’s just the beginning! Make sure to keep an eye on our website and catalogs for even more Budweiser collectibles coming your way.

Lager Than Life

Beer you have it! That’s the inside scoop on Budweiser and its lager than life start in the brewing industry.

I have to admit, when I first found out that we were teaming up with this iconic American brewery, I was (and still am!) really excited. Being married to a brewer, this collaboration hits a little closer to home. And I know I’m not alone here at Littleton when I say that we can’t wait for you to see what other Budweiser collectibles will be released (especially with the brewery’s 150th anniversary happening this year!).

So, raise your pint glass and get ready to toast this new partnership! Cheers!