(1861) Copper Civil War Sutler Token S-1-25C, P. Hoddy & Co.-John Stanton

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by P. Hoddy & Co.. This 25-cent copper token served as camp currency, redeemable for goods at the sutler's field store. Sutler firm whose tokens were manufactured by John Stanton of Cincinnati. P. Hoddy & Co. issued copper tokens in 25-cent denominations. The partnership format suggests a commercial operation supplying goods to soldiers in the field. Dies were cut by John Stanton of Cincinnati, Ohio. Copper was the second most common metal for sutler tokens, producing pieces with a distinctive reddish surface that often tones to brown over time. Dated 1861, from the first year of the Civil War when the sutler token system was still being established. Fewer than 6,000 sutler token pieces are estimated to survive across all varieties, a fraction of the hundreds of thousands of patriotic and store card tokens that exist. The War Department imposed price controls on sutlers through the regimental council system, giving soldiers a formal mechanism to challenge excessive charges.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-1-25C. All sutler tokens are rated R-5 or higher on the Fuld rarity scale (fewer than 200 surviving examples of any given variety). Copper strikes are common for sutler tokens. An estimated 4,000 to 6,000 sutler token pieces survive across all varieties.

Cross References

Schenkman S-1-25C