(1861-65) Brass Civil War Sutler Token S-11c-5B, Pennsylvania Volunteers

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by Pennsylvania Volunteers, sutler to the Pennsylvania Volunteer unit (specific regiment varies by Schenkman number). Struck in brass, this 5-cent token circulated as private camp currency redeemable for merchandise from the sutler. Sutler tokens for Pennsylvania Volunteer units. Pennsylvania organized 215 infantry regiments, 22 cavalry regiments, and 17 artillery batteries during the war. Multiple Schenkman numbers appear with this generic attribution, indicating different regiments that shared stock die designs or whose specific sutler names were not included on the tokens. 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. Manufactured during the peak years of sutler token production, when camp commerce required a reliable medium of exchange. The sutler occupied a unique position as a government-licensed civilian merchant embedded within a military unit, providing goods that supplemented standard army rations. The sutler system was officially abolished by Congress in 1866, concluding a chapter of military commerce that had existed since the Revolutionary era.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-11c-5B. 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 S-11c-5B