(1861-65) Brass Civil War Sutler Token S-11-5Ba, Bare & Rauch

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by Bare & Rauch, sutler to the 11th Regiment (possibly Indiana). This 5-cent brass token served as camp currency, redeemable for goods at the sutler's field store. Sutler partnership whose brass tokens (S-11-5Ba, S-A10B) indicate service with an 11th regiment. The partnership format was common among sutlers, allowing shared capital and risk in the camp merchant trade. The sutler occupied a unique position as a government-licensed civilian merchant embedded within a military unit, providing goods that supplemented standard army rations. An 1866 act of Congress abolished the office of sutler; licensed post traders took over their trade. The sutler system gave licensed merchants a monopoly on camp commerce, and soldiers frequently complained about inflated prices. Congress limited debt collection to one-sixth of a soldier's monthly pay in March 1862.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-11-5Ba. The CWTS estimates 4,000 to 6,000 sutler tokens survive of all varieties.

Cross References

Schenkman S-11-5Ba