(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Sutler Token S-55a-10CN, J.B. Spitzer

Coin Details

Description

Civil War sutler token issued by J.B. Spitzer, sutler to the 55th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Struck in copper-nickel, this piece circulated as private camp currency redeemable for merchandise. Sutler to the 55th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, a regiment organized at Camp McClellan in Norwalk, Ohio in late 1861. The 55th Ohio saw action at Bull Pasture Mountain, Cross Keys, Second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Missionary Ridge, and throughout Sherman's Georgia campaign including the March to the Sea. Spitzer issued tokens in multiple denominations. His 50-cent copper-nickel token is rated R10 (possibly unique). A 50-cent copper specimen graded NGC MS64 Red and Brown realized a strong price at the Donald G. Partrick Collection sale. Organized at Camp McClellan, Norwalk, Ohio in late 1861. Fought at Bull Pasture Mountain, Cross Keys, Second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Missionary Ridge, and throughout Sherman's Georgia campaign including the March to the Sea. Total losses: 262 men. Copper-nickel strikes are uncommon among sutler tokens. The alloy mirrors the composition of federal small change. Dated 1863, produced at the height of camp token usage before Congress moved to restrict private currency.

Rarity Notes

Schenkman S-55a-10CN. All sutler tokens are rated R-5 or higher on the Fuld rarity scale (fewer than 200 surviving examples of any given variety). Copper-nickel strikes are uncommon for sutler tokens. An estimated 4,000 to 6,000 sutler token pieces survive across all varieties.

Cross References

Schenkman S-55a-10CN