(1861-65) Brass Civil War Sutler Token S-61-10B, OH Volunteers-John Stanton

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by Ohio Volunteers (John Stanton die), sutler to the Ohio Volunteer unit (specific regiment unidentified). This 10-cent brass token served as camp currency, redeemable for goods at the sutler's field store. Sutler token for an Ohio Volunteer unit, with dies cut by John Stanton of Cincinnati. The S-61 Schenkman number suggests the 61st Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which served in the Army of the Cumberland in the Western Theater. Ohio contributed more sutlers than any other state during the Civil War. Served in the Army of the Cumberland in the Western Theater. John Stanton's die-cutting business in Cincinnati served sutlers across multiple states, and his distinctive style is identifiable across many surviving tokens. The brass composition offered a practical balance of durability and cost, producing tokens that could endure the rough conditions of military camp commerce. Created during the period of widespread private coinage that arose from the federal coin shortage affecting military camps. As artifacts of military commerce, sutler tokens connect collectors to the daily economic reality of Civil War camp life. The restricted circulation of sutler tokens within individual camps means each surviving piece is traceable to a specific military community.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-61-10B. 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-61-10B