(1861-65) Brass Civil War Sutler Token S-L5B, A.A. Lamb-John Stanton

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,200 MS62 06-16-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by A.A. Lamb. Struck in brass, this 5-cent token circulated as private camp currency redeemable for merchandise from the sutler. Sutler whose brass 5-cent token (S-L5B) was manufactured by John Stanton of Cincinnati. Lamb shares the S-L Schenkman prefix with W.W. Sherwood, indicating a catalog grouping rather than a regimental connection. Dies were cut by John Stanton of Cincinnati, Ohio. 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. Produced during the war years when sutler tokens served as essential camp currency across Union military installations. Sutler tokens occupy a unique position in American numismatics, documenting both military service and wartime commercial enterprise. The restricted circulation of sutler tokens within individual camps means each surviving piece is traceable to a specific military community.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-L5B. 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-L5B