(1861-65) Brass Civil War Sutler Token S-61-5B, OH Volunteers-John Stanton

Coin Details

Auction Record

$504 AU55 08-25-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by Ohio Volunteers (John Stanton die), sutler to the Ohio Volunteer unit (specific regiment unidentified). This 5-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. Stanton operated from his Cincinnati shop near the major Western Theater supply depots that served Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky regiments. Brass provided an ideal medium for sutler tokens — durable enough to withstand repeated handling in camp, resistant to tarnish, and economical for die sinkers to strike in quantity. Produced during the war years when sutler tokens served as essential camp currency across Union military installations. Military regulations authorized sutlers as licensed camp merchants who supplied soldiers with provisions and personal goods unavailable through standard military rations. Legislative action in 1866 terminated the sutler system, ending a tradition of licensed civilian merchants serving military units.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-61-5B. 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-61-5B