(1861-65) Brass Civil War Sutler Token S-16-5Ba, G.P. Westcott

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by G.P. Westcott, sutler to the 16th U.S. Infantry (Regular Army). Struck in brass, this 5-cent token circulated as private camp currency redeemable for merchandise from the sutler. Sutler to the 16th U.S. Infantry, a Regular Army regiment (not a state volunteer unit). The name appears as both G.P. and C.P. Westcott on different tokens, possibly reflecting a misreading of period script on the dies. Dies were cut by John Stanton of Cincinnati. A Regular Army regiment that served throughout the war, distinguishing itself at Stones River and Chickamauga. John Stanton's die-cutting business in Cincinnati served sutlers across multiple states, and his distinctive style is identifiable across many surviving tokens. The CWTS estimates 4,000 to 6,000 sutler tokens survive of all varieties. The War Department imposed price controls on sutlers through the regimental council system, giving soldiers a formal mechanism to challenge excessive charges.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-16-5Ba. The CWTS estimates 4,000 to 6,000 sutler tokens survive of all varieties.

Cross References

Schenkman S-16-5Ba