(1861-65) Brass Civil War Sutler Token MB-50B, H. Rice-John Stanton

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by Henry Rice, sutler to the McClernand's Brigade, Illinois Volunteers. This 50-cent brass token served as camp currency, redeemable for goods at the sutler's field store. A German-born Jewish merchant from Jacksonville, Illinois who enjoyed a personal friendship with Abraham Lincoln. Rice offered to tailor Lincoln's inauguration suit and later dined with the President at the White House. His 10-cent brass token (11mm, by John Stanton of Cincinnati) is one of the smallest sutler tokens known. Fewer than twenty examples of his token survive, making it a prized rarity with a direct connection to President Lincoln. Served under Major General John A. McClernand in the Western Theater, including operations along the Mississippi River. Dies were cut by John Stanton of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman MB-50B. The CWTS estimates 4,000 to 6,000 sutler tokens survive of all varieties.

Cross References

Schenkman MB-50B