(1861-65) Brass Civil War Sutler Token S-G5B, G. Davidson-John Stanton

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by G. Davidson. This 5-cent brass token served as camp currency, redeemable for goods at the sutler's field store. Sutler whose tokens were manufactured by John Stanton of Cincinnati. Davidson issued brass tokens in 5-cent and 25-cent denominations. The Stanton attribution confirms a Cincinnati or Ohio-region connection. Dies were cut by John Stanton of Cincinnati, Ohio. The brass composition offered a practical balance of durability and cost, producing tokens that could endure the rough conditions of military camp commerce. Struck during the period when the federal coin shortage drove widespread adoption of privately issued tokens in military camps. The surviving population of sutler tokens is measured in the low thousands, a stark contrast to the abundant supply of patriotic and store card counterparts. Sutler pricing was subject to military oversight — the regimental council of administration reviewed charges and soldiers could formally protest what they considered unfair prices.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-G5B. 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-G5B