(1861) Copper Civil War Sutler Token S-A5C, C.W. Bangs

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by C.W. Bangs, sutler to the 6th Maine Battery. This 5-cent copper piece functioned as camp scrip, exchangeable for provisions and sundries at the sutler's traveling store. The only sutler known to have issued tokens for a Maine unit. His tokens were produced by die sinker Koehler of Baltimore. Maine sutler tokens were long considered the second rarest of any state, close behind West Virginia. A specimen of his 25-cent nickel token sold for $18,000 at the Bill Kelly Collection auction, one of the highest prices ever achieved for a sutler token. Served with distinction in the Army of the Potomac from Antietam through Appomattox. Dies were cut by Koehler of Baltimore, Maryland. Struck in copper, which produces a reddish surface that acquires a rich brown patina with age. Copper pieces generally survive in better condition than softer metals. Dated 1861, produced early in the war before token usage became widespread in military camps.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-A5C. 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-A5C