(1861-65) Brass Civil War Sutler Token FS-25B, Rice & Byers

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by Rice & Byers, sutler to the Unknown unit (FS designation). This 25-cent brass piece functioned as camp scrip, exchangeable for provisions and sundries at the sutler's traveling store. A sutler partnership whose tokens bear the designation FS (possibly a field station designation). Their tokens are known in 5, 25, and 50 cent denominations as well as a rare $1 piece. Produced in brass, the workhorse alloy of Civil War-era private token manufacturers. The durability of the brass composition means that many surviving tokens retain legible inscriptions and identifiable design features. Manufactured during the peak years of sutler token production, when camp commerce required a reliable medium of exchange. As artifacts of military commerce, sutler tokens connect collectors to the daily economic reality of Civil War camp life. These tokens passed through the hands of soldiers in specific military installations, creating artifacts tied to particular units and campaigns. Collectors classify Civil War sutler tokens by issuer, regiment, denomination, and metal composition. The Schenkman catalog, first published in 1983 and revised by Richard W. Irons, remains the standard reference for the series.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman FS-25B. All sutler tokens are rated R-5 or higher on the Fuld rarity scale (fewer than 200 surviving examples of any given variety). In brass, this variety falls within the common range for the series. An estimated 4,000 to 6,000 sutler token pieces survive across all varieties.

Cross References

Schenkman FS-25B