(1861-65) Brass Civil War Sutler Token S-H10B, H.H. Beecher & Co.-John Stanton

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by H.H. Beecher & Co., sutler to the 40th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. This 10-cent brass piece functioned as camp scrip, exchangeable for provisions and sundries at the sutler's traveling store. Sutler firm serving the 40th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, organized at Springfield, Illinois. Beecher issued copper 25-cent tokens (S-40-25C dated 1861). A separate brass token (S-H10B) bears both Beecher's name and John Stanton's die sinker mark, confirming Cincinnati manufacture for at least part of the series. Organized at Springfield, Illinois. Served in the Western Theater. Dies were cut by John Stanton of Cincinnati, Ohio. Struck in brass, reflecting the standard material selection for military camp currency of this era. Brass tokens from this period frequently survive with readable inscriptions, a testament to the alloy's resistance to wear. 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. These tokens passed through the hands of soldiers in specific military installations, creating artifacts tied to particular units and campaigns.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-H10B. 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-H10B