(1861-65) Brass Civil War Sutler Token S-H25B, S. Hatch

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by S. Hatch, sutler to the Unit unidentified from Schenkman reference. This 25-cent brass piece functioned as camp scrip, exchangeable for provisions and sundries at the sutler's traveling store. Sutler who issued brass tokens in 25-cent denominations. Hatch tokens appear under multiple Schenkman designations, suggesting either multiple die varieties or a complex catalog attribution history. Struck in brass, reflecting the standard material selection for military camp currency of this era. The brass alloy retained die details effectively, and many surviving examples preserve crisp legends and design elements. Produced during the war years when sutler tokens served as essential camp currency across Union military installations. Sutler tokens provide a direct window into the economic life of Civil War military camps and the soldiers who lived in them. These tokens passed through the hands of soldiers in specific military installations, creating artifacts tied to particular units and campaigns.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-H25B. 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-H25B