(1861-65) Brass Civil War Sutler Token S-37-4B, John W. Christy

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by John W. Christy, sutler to the 37th Regiment. Struck in brass, this 4-cent token circulated as private camp currency redeemable for merchandise from the sutler. Sutler to a 37th regiment, issuing brass tokens including an unusual 4-cent denomination (S-37-4B). The 4-cent denomination is one of the rarest among sutler tokens, as most issuers used standard 5, 10, 25, 50, or 100-cent values. Brass predominated in sutler token production, accounting for the majority of known surviving examples across all issuers. The brass stock came from established commercial suppliers, the same firms that provided blanks for buttons, badges, and other stamped metal goods. Produced during the war years when sutler tokens served as essential camp currency across Union military installations. The sutler system granted licensed civilian merchants exclusive rights to sell goods within military camps, providing soldiers access to tobacco, writing materials, candy, and personal items. Legislative action in 1866 terminated the sutler system, ending a tradition of licensed civilian merchants serving military units.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-37-4B. 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-37-4B