(1861-65) White Metal Civil War Sutler Token S-119-50WM, J.M. Longwell

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by J.M. Longwell, sutler to the 119th Regiment (white metal tokens) / unidentified copper unit. This 50-cent white metal token served as camp currency, redeemable for goods at the sutler's field store. Sutler who issued tokens in both copper (S-S10C, dated 1861) and white metal (S-119-25WM, S-119-50WM). The dual Schenkman attributions suggest service with multiple units or tokens issued across different periods. The white metal pieces from the 119th regiment are uncommon, as white metal sutler tokens are scarce overall. Struck in white metal, a tin-based alloy that was less common than brass or copper for sutler tokens. The soft material rarely survives in high grade. Struck during the wartime era when sutlers relied on privately issued tokens to facilitate daily transactions with soldiers. The sutler occupied a unique position as a government-licensed civilian merchant embedded within a military unit, providing goods that supplemented standard army rations. The sutler system was officially abolished by Congress in 1866, concluding a chapter of military commerce that had existed since the Revolutionary era.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-119-50WM. All sutler tokens are rated R-5 or higher on the Fuld rarity scale (fewer than 200 surviving examples of any given variety). In white metal, this variety falls within the scarce range for the series. An estimated 4,000 to 6,000 sutler token pieces survive across all varieties.

Cross References

Schenkman S-119-50WM