1861 Seated Liberty Half Dollar - Copper C. Inhoff Sutler

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by C. Inhoff. Struck in copper, this 50-cent token circulated as private camp currency redeemable for merchandise from the sutler. A Civil War sutler known for issuing tokens counterstamped on Seated Liberty half dollars, adding sutler identification to existing U.S. silver coinage. This practice of overstriking federal coins was unusual among sutlers. 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. As artifacts of military commerce, sutler tokens connect collectors to the daily economic reality of Civil War camp life. The restricted circulation of sutler tokens within individual camps means each surviving piece is traceable to a specific military community. Most sutler tokens were produced by die sinkers in Cincinnati (John Stanton, James Murdock Jr.) and the Northeast (William Bridgens in New York, Koehler in Baltimore). Custom dies bearing the sutler's name and regiment were paired with patriotic or eagle reverses.

Rarity Notes

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.