(1863) Copper Civil War Sutler Token S-21-25C, KY Volunteer Infantry

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, sutler to the 21st Kentucky Volunteer Infantry. This 25-cent copper token served as camp currency, redeemable for goods at the sutler's field store. Sutler token for a Kentucky Volunteer Infantry unit, attributed through Schenkman S-21 to the 21st Kentucky. Kentucky occupied a unique position as a border state, with citizens serving on both sides. Union Kentucky regiments served primarily in the Western Theater. The 21st Kentucky participated in campaigns across Tennessee and Georgia as part of the Army of the Cumberland. 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. Of the three main Civil War token categories, sutler tokens are the least numerous, surviving in quantities dwarfed by patriotic and store card issues. Federal prohibition of private tokens in 1864 halted new sutler token production, and the 1866 abolition of the sutler system closed this chapter of military commerce permanently.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-21-25C. 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-21-25C