(1861-65) Brass Civil War Sutler Token S-5b-25B, J.W. Donohoe

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by J.W. Donohoe, sutler to the 5th U.S. Cavalry (Regular Army). This 25-cent brass token served as camp currency, redeemable for goods at the sutler's field store. Sutler to the 5th U.S. Cavalry, originally the 2nd Cavalry Regiment activated at Louisville, Kentucky in 1855 and redesignated in 1861. The 5th U.S. Cavalry fought at First Bull Run, Gaines's Mill, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, and in Sheridan's Shenandoah Valley Campaign. Originally the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, redesignated in 1861. Fought at First Bull Run, Gaines's Mill, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, and in Sheridan's Shenandoah Valley Campaign. 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 period of widespread private coinage that arose from the federal coin shortage affecting military camps. 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.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-5b-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-5b-25B