5th Light Battery, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia Engraving on an 1872 Liberty Seated silver dollar. Host coin Very Fine, Pinback Removed.
The host coin is dished, its reverse replaced with a very nice engraving, done skillfully and not overly unsightly. Nicely engraved cannon faces right, 5th LIGHT BATTERY arches above, M.V.M. / ORG'N'Z'D, MAY 1869. curves below on two lines, engraved chain of tiny links with open hasp at top around central details. Host slate to amber on the obverse, bright champagne-gray with deep amber highlights on the engraved side. An exceptional piece with a story to tell. The 5th Light Battery of Massachusetts Volunteer Militia was organized in May 1869 at and around Boston. In 1875, the Massachusetts Militias were reorganized and the 5th Light Battery, probably armed with at least six brass 12-pounders and perhaps a Gatling gun or two, was relocated to Worcester. Perhaps 130 or so officers and enlisted men made up the artillery battery and support groups.
From our (Stack's) sale of the Anthony Terranova Collection, September-October 2010 Philadelphia Americana Sale, lot 5192. Lot tag and collector envelope included.