Item: Virginia State Seal Coat Button
Backmark: "W. H. SMITH & CO / NEW YORK" rmdc
Design: Virginia coat of arms on a lined field, with the figures of Virtus standing over Tyranny. The state motto of "SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS" in a ribbon below with "VIRGINIA" above.
Construction: Convex, two-piece.
Approximate size: 22 mm.
Condition: Excellent, excavated, secure shank present. This solid button has a rich brown patina with ample silver in and around the two figures and motto. There are no pushes, cracks, breaks, or repairs.
Recovered: Unknown
Reference: Tice: VA219A3 Albert: VA 9
Comments: This Virginia state seal button will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War button or general relic collection.
According to "Uniform Buttons of the United States 1776-1865" by Warren K. Tice, regarding the Virginia coat of arms:
"George Wythe designed a coat of arms in 1776 which reflects strong anti-monarchy, pro-republican sentiments. Virtus, genius of the Commonwealth, in Amazon attire, holds a spear with her right hand and a sword with her left. The form of Tyranny lies at the feet of Virtus, with the despised crown, a broken chain, and scourge cast upon the ground. The Latin motto of Virginia is Sic Semper Tyrannis, "Thus ever to tyrants." John Wilkes Booth shouted this phrase as he leapt to the stage of Ford's Theater after shooting President Lincoln. All Virginia arms buttons bear the Commonwealth motto."
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Email: virginiarelics@comcast.net
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PO Box 6425
Charlottesville, VA 22906
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