Circa 1790s Unity, Prosperity & Independence Button. Cobb-21, Albert PC-2, DeWitt-GW 1789-12, Baker-1012. Brass. Choice Fine.

33.7 mm. Shank replaced. Sharper than indicated by the grade overall, with the detail of a nice VF or even better, but clearly a ground find bearing the crusty brick and deep steel mottled patina that comes with that history. This is largely in the recesses, however, with the devices standing out as somewhat more even brown, though the entirety is granular. Some of the visible texture is natural, however, as this type has a deeply textured surface within the recessed fields. A rare button, Cobb had only confirmed three as of 1968. A few more have come to market, but the type remains very rare. Cobb plated these among his Washington Inaugurals as did DeWitt, and Rulau and Fuld when they added this section to their Baker revision in 1999. Albert elected to treat them as more general politicals, and we tend to agree because the legend and style is decidedly not pointing to the first president or his administration, but rather the young nation more broadly.

From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex the Dana Linett Collection, 2009.