(1861) Copper Civil War Sutler Token S-2a-5C, J.L. O'Neal-John Stanton

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by J.L. O'Neal. This 5-cent copper token served as camp currency, redeemable for goods at the sutler's field store. Sutler whose tokens were manufactured by John Stanton of Cincinnati. O'Neal issued tokens in both copper and brass, indicating production across different periods or for different purposes. The copper 5-cent token (S-2a-5C) dates to 1861. 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. Total surviving sutler tokens number in the low thousands, compared to the tens of thousands of patriotic tokens and hundreds of thousands of store cards that survive. Federal regulations required sutlers to operate under the supervision of the regimental council of administration, which set price limits and could dismiss sutlers for overcharging.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-2a-5C. 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-2a-5C