This button is a controversial one. Until a couple years ago, this backmark was considered perfectly "good" to be considered a Civil War button. In fact, it is STILL an absolutely war date backmark on other buttons. But for some reason, on the VMI, it is now considered ca. 1866. I am pricing this at what I paid for it and am willing to defer to Warren Tice, Dan Binder and the button authorities on this. If they say 1866, I agree.

That said, I want you to have the whole history of it. I purchased this button directly from the digger. His name is Mike Frasier and he excavated the button in a rifle pit in Lexington, Virginia. Were these buttons available during the war? Like I say, if the experts now say, "no", I'm not smart enough to disagree. I trust them. This could have been lost by a VMI cadet just after the war. I'll leave it totally up to you, but I believe in complete transparency in explaining what I am selling. I know a small number of dealers who refuse to do that. (Most of my "competitors" are amazingly honest and trustworthy -- and I am honored to be counted among them!)

So -- what of this coat size button? Well, it's perfect for a dug button. The gilt is absolutely dazzling -- almost 100% gilt! The shank is nearly straight and there are no pushes, cracks, holes or repairs. If you're a VMI collector, a school button collection or just someone who likes dug buttons in killer condition...this is for you!