(1861-65) Brass Civil War Sutler Token S-28-25B, 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). This 25-cent brass token served as camp currency, redeemable for goods at the sutler's field store. 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. 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 wartime period when sutler tokens became indispensable for commercial transactions in army camps. Across all varieties combined, sutler tokens survive in quantities estimated between 4,000 and 6,000 pieces — a tiny fraction of the Civil War token population. Military authorities maintained oversight of sutler operations through the company council, which had the power to regulate prices and discipline merchants who overcharged soldiers.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-28-25B. All sutler tokens are rated R-5 or higher on the Fuld rarity scale (fewer than 200 surviving examples of any given variety). Brass strikes are common for sutler tokens. An estimated 4,000 to 6,000 sutler token pieces survive across all varieties.

Cross References

Schenkman S-28-25B