(1861) Civil War Sutler Token S-2-25C, (1861-65) Token S , Wm. E. Wood

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by William E. Wood, sutler to the 2nd Regiment. This 25-cent copper piece functioned as camp scrip, exchangeable for provisions and sundries at the sutler's traveling store. Sutler who issued a copper 25-cent token (S-2-25C). The title format reflects a parsing artifact from the original catalog transcription. Wood's tokens date from the 1861-1865 Civil War period and survive in copper. Struck in copper, which produces a reddish surface that acquires a rich brown patina with age. Copper pieces generally survive in better condition than softer metals. Dated 1861, produced early in the war before token usage became widespread in military camps. As artifacts of military commerce, sutler tokens connect collectors to the daily economic reality of Civil War camp life. These tokens passed through the hands of soldiers in specific military installations, creating artifacts tied to particular units and campaigns.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-2-25C. 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-2-25C