I purchased a collection from a friend who inherited the collection from his grandfather. One of the coins was an Excelsior token. I've attached photos of the obverse and reverse. Does anyone have any information on it? I couldn't find much through a google search other than a photo gallery showing the obverse of the token.
I agree on the button. On the reverse you can see where the missing attachment was that would have been sewn to clothing or a coat/jacket.
Thanks for the button idea. Apparently, it is a 1st NY Excelsior button from the Civil War. http://metaldetectingforum.com/showthread.php?t=69140
Not civil war IMHO, looks like war of 1812. Also, Flat buttons like that were phased out by the 1850's for the cheaper more ornate two piece buttons.
Also, Here is a photo of an 1812 excelsior button, It is the button same as the one you have. Another thing, your button looks to have silver gilt on the front, very typical of button from that time, the writing on the back is the quality or maker of the button, my guess is it is just the quality marks though, such as "Gilt" or something. Your button looks to be dug too, it is in a condition common for dug buttons like that. Very cool button, I would love to find one like that metal detecting.
