Item: Virginia State Seal Coat Button
Backmark: " * SCOVILL . MFG . CO. * / WATERBURY." rmdc
Design: Virginia coat of arms on a plain field, with the figures of Virtus standing over Tyranny. The state motto of "SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS" is below with "VIRGINIA" above.
Construction: Convex, two-piece.
Approximate size: 22.5 mm.
Condition: Good, excavated, secure shank present. The button has significant wear but is solid. It has a primarily brown patina with remnants of encrusted soil and areas of light green. There is a mild push to right of Virtus' head and a milder push just below his sword. There are no cracks, breaks, or repairs.
Recovered: Rio Hill area of Albemarle County, VA
Reference: Tice: VA215A5 Albert: VA 7
Comments: 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. It 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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PO Box 6425
Charlottesville, VA 22906
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