(1861-65) Brass Civil War Sutler Token S-MB-5B, H. Rice-John Stanton

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by Henry Rice, sutler to the McClernand's Brigade, Illinois Volunteers. This 5-cent brass piece functioned as camp scrip, exchangeable for provisions and sundries at the sutler's traveling store. A German-born Jewish merchant from Jacksonville, Illinois who enjoyed a personal friendship with Abraham Lincoln. Rice offered to tailor Lincoln's inauguration suit and later dined with the President at the White House. His 10-cent brass token (11mm, by John Stanton of Cincinnati) is one of the smallest sutler tokens known. Fewer than twenty examples of his token survive, making it a prized rarity with a direct connection to President Lincoln. Served under Major General John A. McClernand in the Western Theater, including operations along the Mississippi River. 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. Produced during the war years when sutler tokens served as essential camp currency across Union military installations.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-MB-5B. 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-MB-5B