(1861-65) Brass Civil War Sutler Token S-A-10B, Frank's

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by Frank's, sutler to the Unit unidentified. This 10-cent brass token served as camp currency, redeemable for goods at the sutler's field store. Sutler known only as Frank's, whose tokens bear non-standard Schenkman designations (S-A, S-F) suggesting uncertain regiment attribution. The possessive form of the name indicates an individual proprietor rather than a partnership. Frank's issued brass tokens in 10-cent and 25-cent denominations. Brass tokens dominated sutler currency production because the alloy combined reasonable cost with the physical durability demanded by camp circulation. Manufactured during the peak years of sutler token production, when camp commerce required a reliable medium of exchange. The sutler occupied a unique position as a government-licensed civilian merchant embedded within a military unit, providing goods that supplemented standard army rations. The sutler system was officially abolished by Congress in 1866, concluding a chapter of military commerce that had existed since the Revolutionary era.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-A-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-A-10B