(1861-65) Brass Civil War Sutler Token S-V10B, A. Schwabacher

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by A. Schwabacher. Struck in brass, this 10-cent token circulated as private camp currency redeemable for merchandise from the sutler. Sutler who issued brass 10-cent tokens (S-V10B). The Schwabacher name is of German-Jewish origin, consistent with the significant representation of German and Jewish merchants among Civil War sutlers. Several Schwabacher families were prominent in Western commercial ventures during this period. Brass was the predominant metal for sutler tokens, chosen for its balance of striking quality and production economy. Token manufacturers sourced brass planchets from Midwestern and Northeastern metal suppliers who served the broader commercial stamping industry. Produced during the war years when sutler tokens served as essential camp currency across Union military installations. Military regulations authorized sutlers as licensed camp merchants who supplied soldiers with provisions and personal goods unavailable through standard military rations. Legislative action in 1866 terminated the sutler system, ending a tradition of licensed civilian merchants serving military units.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-V10B. 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-V10B