Item: Virginia State Seal Coat Button
Backmark: Raised five-pointed star in recessed channel (see Comments section below).
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: 23 mm.
Condition: Excellent, excavated, secure shank present. The button has a brown patina with no pushes, cracks, breaks, or repairs.
Recovered: Rio Hill area of Albemarle County, VA
Reference: Tice: VA246A2 Albert: VA 22
Comments: A star is often found in the recessed channel on the rear of this classification of Virginia button however, the star on this example is not visible or possibly hidden under a light layer of encrusted soil residue. This button was acquired directly from the digger's family. The digger hunted Civil War trails, campsites, and battle sites throughout central Virginia and adjacent states for several decades. The 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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