(1861-65) Brass Civil War Sutler Token S-A25B, J.A. Leggat

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by J.A. Leggat, sutler to the 3rd Michigan Cavalry. Struck in brass, this 25-cent token circulated as private camp currency redeemable for merchandise from the sutler. Sutler to the 3rd Michigan Cavalry. His 25-cent token reads CHECK 25 CENTS SUTLER GOODS, explicitly identifying the piece as sutler currency redeemable for merchandise at his field store. Conducted operations in Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama. Brass predominated in sutler token production, accounting for the majority of known surviving examples across all issuers. 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. Of the three main Civil War token categories, sutler tokens are the least numerous, surviving in quantities dwarfed by patriotic and store card issues. Federal prohibition of private tokens in 1864 halted new sutler token production, and the 1866 abolition of the sutler system closed this chapter of military commerce permanently.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-A25B. 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-A25B