(1861-65) Brass Civil War Sutler Token S-41-25B, Ohio Volunteer Infantry

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by Ohio Volunteer Infantry. This 25-cent brass piece functioned as camp scrip, exchangeable for provisions and sundries at the sutler's traveling store. Sutler token for an Ohio Volunteer Infantry unit. Ohio raised more than 300,000 soldiers for the Union cause, organizing 230 infantry regiments, 13 cavalry regiments, and 26 artillery batteries. Ohio contributed more sutlers than any other state, reflecting the scale of its military participation. Produced in brass, the workhorse alloy of Civil War-era private token manufacturers. The alloy produced sharply struck tokens that have held up well over more than a century and a half, with many pieces retaining fine detail. Manufactured during the peak years of sutler token production, when camp commerce required a reliable medium of exchange. Military regulations authorized sutlers as licensed camp merchants who supplied soldiers with provisions and personal goods unavailable through standard military rations. Legislative action in 1866 terminated the sutler system, ending a tradition of licensed civilian merchants serving military units.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-41-25B. 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-41-25B