(1863) Copper Civil War Sutler Token S-21-5C, KY Volunteer Infantry

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,400 MS65BN 06-16-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, sutler to the 21st Kentucky Volunteer Infantry. This 5-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. Kentucky's contribution to Union forces included regiments that fought in some of the war's most significant Western Theater battles. 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. The surviving population of sutler tokens is measured in the low thousands, a stark contrast to the abundant supply of patriotic and store card counterparts. Sutler pricing was subject to military oversight — the regimental council of administration reviewed charges and soldiers could formally protest what they considered unfair prices.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-21-5C. 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-21-5C