(1861-65) Brass Civil War Sutler Token S-25B, S. Hatch

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by S. Hatch, sutler to the Unit unidentified from Schenkman reference. This 25-cent brass token served as camp currency, redeemable for goods at the sutler's field store. Sutler who issued brass tokens in 25-cent denominations. Hatch tokens appear under multiple Schenkman designations, suggesting either multiple die varieties or a complex catalog attribution history. The choice of brass reflected practical manufacturing considerations — the alloy struck cleanly from dies, resisted environmental damage, and cost less to produce than copper or silver. Created during the period of widespread private coinage that arose from the federal coin shortage affecting military camps. 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. 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-25B. 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-25B