(1861-65) Brass Civil War Sutler Token S-50-5B, M. H. Sullivan & Co.

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by M.H. Sullivan & Co., sutler to the 50th Regiment. This 5-cent brass piece functioned as camp scrip, exchangeable for provisions and sundries at the sutler's traveling store. Sutler firm serving a 50th regiment, issuing brass 5-cent tokens (S-50-5B). The Co. designation indicates a partnership or employee-supported operation, typical of larger sutler businesses that could stock a wider variety of goods. Struck in brass, reflecting the standard material selection for military camp currency of this era. 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. Created during the period of widespread private coinage that arose from the federal coin shortage affecting military camps. Military regulations authorized sutlers as licensed camp merchants who supplied soldiers with provisions and personal goods unavailable through standard military rations. Congress formally ended the sutler system in 1866, transitioning military retail to government-operated exchanges.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-50-5B. 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-50-5B