(1861-65) Civil War Sutler Token S-11-10Ba, Sid. Wright.

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by Sidney Wright, sutler to the 11th Indiana Cavalry. Struck in copper, this 10-cent token circulated as private camp currency redeemable for merchandise from the sutler. Sutler to the 11th Indiana Cavalry regiment. Indiana contributed significant cavalry forces to the Union Army, and sutlers traveling with mounted units faced the additional challenge of keeping pace with fast-moving cavalry operations. Conducted mounted operations in Kentucky and Tennessee. Copper tokens from this period exhibit a range of surface colors from original red to deep brown, with the specific tone determined by decades of environmental exposure. 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. The restricted circulation of sutler tokens within individual camps means each surviving piece is traceable to a specific military community.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-11-10Ba. All sutler tokens are rated R-5 or higher on the Fuld rarity scale (fewer than 200 surviving examples of any given variety). In copper, 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-11-10Ba