(1861-65) Brass Civil War Sutler Token S-46-25B, B. Howell

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by B. Howell, sutler to the 46th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. This 25-cent brass token served as camp currency, redeemable for goods at the sutler's field store. Sutler to the 46th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, organized at Worthington, Ohio in October 1861. The 46th Ohio fought at Shiloh in April 1862 (losing 285 killed and wounded), then served throughout the Western Theater. The regiment exchanged muzzleloading muskets for Spencer repeating rifles in April 1864 and fought at Resaca, Dallas, Kennesaw Mountain, Atlanta, and Jonesborough. Organized at Worthington, Ohio in October 1861. Fought at Shiloh (losing 285 killed and wounded), then served throughout the Western Theater. Exchanged muzzleloading muskets for Spencer repeating rifles in April 1864. 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.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-46-25B. 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-46-25B