(1861) Copper-Nickel Civil War Sutler Token S-97-10CN, Whited Co.

Coin Details

Auction Record

$3,120 MS65 06-23-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by S. Whited & Co., sutler to the 97th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Struck in copper-nickel, this 10-cent token circulated as private camp currency redeemable for merchandise from the sutler. Sutler firm serving the 97th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Their 1863-dated 10-cent tokens feature an Indian Head obverse paired with a patriotic design, blurring the line between sutler and patriotic tokens. Participated in the Vicksburg Campaign and Sherman's March to the Sea. Struck in copper-nickel, the same alloy used for federal Indian Head cents. This composition is uncommon for sutler tokens. Dated 1861, produced early in the war before token usage became widespread in military camps. Sutler tokens provide a direct window into the economic life of Civil War military camps and the soldiers who lived in them. Tokens from individual sutlers circulated in defined military communities, making each surviving piece an artifact of a specific regiment.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-97-10CN. 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-nickel, this variety falls within the uncommon range for the series. An estimated 4,000 to 6,000 sutler token pieces survive across all varieties.

Cross References

Schenkman S-97-10CN