(1861) Copper Civil War Sutler Token S-33-25C, J.K. Alexander

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by J.K. Alexander, sutler to the 33rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry. This 25-cent copper token served as camp currency, redeemable for goods at the sutler's field store. Sutler to the 33rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry, organized at Indianapolis in September 1861 under Colonel John Coburn. The 33rd Indiana suffered a major setback at Thompson's Station in March 1863, where most of the regiment was captured. After exchange, the regiment fought through the Atlanta Campaign, and Colonel Coburn accepted the surrender of Atlanta from Mayor James Calhoun on September 2, 1864. Organized at Indianapolis in September 1861. Captured at Thompson's Station in March 1863, exchanged, then fought through the Atlanta Campaign. Colonel Coburn accepted the surrender of Atlanta on September 2, 1864. 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, produced early in the war before token usage became widespread in military camps.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-33-25C. 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-33-25C