(1861) Copper Civil War Sutler Token S-C25C, Geo. McAlpen

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by G. McAlpin. Struck in copper, this 25-cent token circulated as private camp currency redeemable for merchandise from the sutler. Sutler who issued brass 10-cent tokens (S-D10B). The name appears in varying spellings across different records — also rendered as Geo. McAlpen on a copper 25-cent token (S-C25C dated 1861). This is the same issuer cataloged under different title formats. Copper tokens from this period exhibit a range of surface colors from original red to deep brown, with the specific tone determined by decades of environmental exposure. Dated 1861, produced early in the war before token usage became widespread in military camps. Military regulations authorized sutlers as licensed camp merchants who supplied soldiers with provisions and personal goods unavailable through standard military rations. Legislative action in 1866 terminated the sutler system, ending a tradition of licensed civilian merchants serving military units.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-C25C. 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-C25C