(1861-65) Brass Civil War Sutler Token S-57-5B, J.W. Scott - John Stanton

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by J.W. Scott, sutler to the 57th Regiment. Struck in brass, this 5-cent token circulated as private camp currency redeemable for merchandise from the sutler. Sutler whose brass 5-cent token (S-57-5B) was manufactured by John Stanton of Cincinnati. Scott's tokens, like many Stanton-produced pieces, paired a custom obverse die bearing the sutler's name with a standard patriotic or eagle reverse die. Dies were cut by John Stanton of Cincinnati, Ohio. This brass composition was typical of sutler tokens, as the alloy offered manufacturers an economical way to produce durable camp currency. Brass stock was available through commercial metal suppliers, making it the most accessible material for wartime token production. Issued during the Civil War era when federal coin hoarding created intense demand for privately struck camp currency. Sutler tokens survive in far smaller numbers than other Civil War token types, with total population estimates ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 pieces across all known varieties. Federal regulations required sutlers to operate under the supervision of the regimental council of administration, which set price limits and could dismiss sutlers for overcharging.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-57-5B. 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-57-5B