Slave Tags?

I would agree. I have never seen an authentic piece not from Charleston, but I have read or heard about a few.

The interesting thing is usually the collectors of these are African Americans, along with other 19th century/early 20th century items relating to their past. I do not blame them, and it makes sense to me but is confusing to many to hear that. To me, the object is never to blame for the intent of why someone made it. It is not the metal's fault it was made into a slave tag, but it should be preserved to always have a tangible reminder of this shameful era of this nation, just like I feel Nazi memorabilia should be preserved to remember the horrors of that regime. The only danger is some idiot might wish to own either for the wrong reason, to glorify such things, but those idiots are going to be idiots regardless. Like Ron White said, "You can't fix stupid".

 

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What thread?

 

The only problem about letters is they feel a little week to me. Like wont be able to stand the test of time where coins, tokens, and medals will.

 

https://www.cointalk.com/threads/post-your-love-token-coins.250309/

 

That's all perspective. Don't think coins cannot be damaged. Paper does certainly seem frail to me though as well.

 

True coins can be damaged but paper but feels a lot weaker and I would even know where to go to find letters or getting the right protection.

 

If there are other factors that are objectionable like size and shape, your personal feelings, how frail an item is, etc.... then you are at the end of your search. Of the three you mention, coins, tokens and medals, you have more than enough opportunities to keep you going for a life time. Good luck in your search.

 

I just posted in it

 

Very understandable! It is a very different arena. Like the post above me, with tokens and medals alone you have a lifetime task. I just like to interject with things in the hobby I have found interesting that aren't as mainstream. Adds a bit of a different flavor "spice" to me.

 

It might be interesting to me too. How do you determine the value or price or stuff like that?

 

Well there isn't a Red Book on letters about hats from Sam Houston. It's one of those things that I do not do seriously enough to be able to give you a solid answer. With the Sam Houston letter, I did some research (eBay, Google, etc) and saw other Sam Houston letters sold for $1,000-$2,000 (may be different today). I thought the letter was particularly interesting and in good condition. Some of the letters I have seen in hand (but not bought) have been on plain paper while others from the same period were on what looks like today's notebook paper (white with blue lines, etc). That also determines desirability.

Really the best answer to me is, what's it worth to me to say I own it? The Sam Houston letter was purchased at $1200.