(1861-65) Brass Civil War Sutler Token FS-50B, Rice & Byers

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by Rice & Byers, sutler to the Unknown unit (FS designation). Struck in brass, this 50-cent token circulated as private camp currency redeemable for merchandise from the sutler. 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. This brass composition was typical of sutler tokens, as the alloy offered manufacturers an economical way to produce durable camp currency. Brass stock was available through commercial metal suppliers, making it the most accessible material for wartime token production. Struck during the wartime era when sutlers relied on privately issued tokens to facilitate daily transactions with soldiers. Sutler tokens provide a direct window into the economic life of Civil War military camps and the soldiers who lived in them. These tokens passed through the hands of soldiers in specific military installations, creating artifacts tied to particular units and campaigns. Most sutler tokens were produced by die sinkers in Cincinnati (John Stanton, James Murdock Jr.) and the Northeast (William Bridgens in New York, Koehler in Baltimore). Custom dies bearing the sutler's name and regiment were paired with patriotic or eagle reverses.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman FS-50B. 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-50B