(1861-65) Brass Civil War Sutler Token S-47-5B, A. Hirsch

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by A. Hirsch, sutler to the 47th Regiment. This 5-cent brass piece functioned as camp scrip, exchangeable for provisions and sundries at the sutler's traveling store. Sutler to a 47th regiment, issuing brass 5-cent tokens (S-47-5B). German and Jewish merchants constituted a notable portion of Civil War sutlers, and the surname Hirsch suggests possible German-Jewish heritage. Struck in brass, the alloy most commonly employed by sutler token manufacturers during the war years. Brass proved an effective striking medium, and tokens from this era often display remarkably well-preserved details despite decades of handling. Issued during the years when military camp commerce depended on private token currency to compensate for the federal coin shortage. 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. Collectors classify Civil War sutler tokens by issuer, regiment, denomination, and metal composition. The Schenkman catalog, first published in 1983 and revised by Richard W. Irons, remains the standard reference for the series.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-47-5B. 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-47-5B