(1861) Copper Civil War Sutler Token S-3-25C, J.A. Leggat

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by J.A. Leggat, sutler to the 3rd Michigan Cavalry. Struck in copper, this 25-cent token circulated as private camp currency redeemable for merchandise from the sutler. Sutler to the 3rd Michigan Cavalry. His 25-cent token reads CHECK 25 CENTS SUTLER GOODS, explicitly identifying the piece as sutler currency redeemable for merchandise at his field store. Conducted operations in Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama. The copper composition gives this token a surface that ranges from bright original red to deep chocolate brown, depending on its storage conditions and handling history. Dated 1861, from the first year of the Civil War when the sutler token system was still being established. Sutler tokens rank as the rarest category in the Civil War token series, with far fewer surviving examples than either patriotic or store card types. Federal legislation in April and June 1864 banned private token production, and the sutler system itself was officially terminated in 1866.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-3-25C. 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-3-25C