(1863) Civil War Sutler Token S-81b-25C, J.W. Cruikshank

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by J.W. Cruikshank, sutler to the 81st Ohio Volunteer Infantry. This 25-cent copper token served as camp currency, redeemable for goods at the sutler's field store. Sutler to the 81st Ohio Volunteer Infantry, originally organized as Morton's Independent Rifle Regiment. The 81st Ohio served in the Atlanta Campaign including Resaca, Dallas, Kennesaw Mountain, and Atlanta, then participated in Sherman's March to the Sea beginning November 16, 1864. A 5-cent copper token (OH S-81a-5C, R7) graded NGC MS62 Brown from the Donald G. Partrick Collection sold at Heritage Auctions. Cruikshank tokens are frequently paired at auction with Spitzer tokens from the 55th OVI. Originally organized as Morton's Independent Rifle Regiment. Served in the Atlanta Campaign including Resaca, Dallas, Kennesaw Mountain, and Atlanta, then participated in Sherman's March to the Sea. Copper was the second most common metal for sutler tokens, producing pieces with a distinctive reddish surface that often tones to brown over time. Dated 1863, produced at the height of camp token usage before Congress moved to restrict private currency.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-81b-25C. All sutler tokens are rated R-5 or higher on the Fuld rarity scale (fewer than 200 surviving examples of any given variety). Copper strikes are common for sutler tokens. An estimated 4,000 to 6,000 sutler token pieces survive across all varieties.

Cross References

Schenkman S-81b-25C