(1861) Copper Civil War Sutler Token S-I10C, J.C. Benton

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by J.C. Benton, sutler to the 41st Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Struck in copper, this 10-cent token circulated as private camp currency redeemable for merchandise from the sutler. Sutler to the 41st Illinois Volunteer Infantry, organized at Decatur, Illinois. His copper 10-cent token was produced by S.D. Childs of Chicago. The 41st Illinois served in the Western Theater and fought at Shiloh, where the regiment helped hold the Union line on the first day of battle. Organized at Decatur, Illinois. Fought at Shiloh, where the regiment helped hold the Union line on the first day. Dies were cut by S.D. Childs of Chicago, Illinois (117-1/2 Randolph Street). 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, produced early in the war before token usage became widespread in military camps.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-I10C. 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-I10C