(1861) Copper Civil War Sutler Token S-55a-50C, J.B. Spitzer

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by J.B. Spitzer, sutler to the 55th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Struck in copper, this 50-cent token circulated as private camp currency redeemable for merchandise from the sutler. Sutler to the 55th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, a regiment organized at Camp McClellan in Norwalk, Ohio in late 1861. The 55th Ohio saw action at Bull Pasture Mountain, Cross Keys, Second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Missionary Ridge, and throughout Sherman's Georgia campaign including the March to the Sea. Spitzer issued tokens in multiple denominations. His 50-cent copper-nickel token is rated R10 (possibly unique). A 50-cent copper specimen graded NGC MS64 Red and Brown realized a strong price at the Donald G. Partrick Collection sale. Organized at Camp McClellan, Norwalk, Ohio in late 1861. Fought at Bull Pasture Mountain, Cross Keys, Second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Missionary Ridge, and throughout Sherman's Georgia campaign including the March to the Sea. Total losses: 262 men. As with all copper tokens of this era, the surface color varies from specimen to specimen — original red copper examples are the most prized, while brown-toned pieces are more common. Dated 1861, from the first year of the Civil War when the sutler token system was still being established.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-55a-50C. 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-55a-50C