A couple of Civil War Copperheads
BillJones
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During the Civil War, northerners who sympathized with the Southern Cause were called “copperheads.” The name was derived partially from the poisonous snake, but more directly from the badges or stick pins that members of a group called the Sons of Liberty wore.
The liberty heads for these pieces were often taken from large cents. The liberty head was cut out from the coin. Anti-war newspapers of the period advertised these “Genuine Copperheads or badges of liberty” for 15 cents each or $80 for 1,000 pieces.
For the simplest of pieces a small hole was drilled at the top and a string or ribbon was attached so that the piece could be worn on button. Other pieces, like the first piece shown here were soldered to a stickpin. A more elaborate variation had the liberty head attached to a thin copper disk, like the second piece.
Authentication of these items is always a matter for speculation. Was the piece made 140 + years ago, or was it made last week? One clue is if the piece looks “old.” It’s mostly guesswork based upon gut reactions, but these pieces still make for an interesting addition to a collection of Civil War memorabilia.
The liberty heads for these pieces were often taken from large cents. The liberty head was cut out from the coin. Anti-war newspapers of the period advertised these “Genuine Copperheads or badges of liberty” for 15 cents each or $80 for 1,000 pieces.
For the simplest of pieces a small hole was drilled at the top and a string or ribbon was attached so that the piece could be worn on button. Other pieces, like the first piece shown here were soldered to a stickpin. A more elaborate variation had the liberty head attached to a thin copper disk, like the second piece.
Authentication of these items is always a matter for speculation. Was the piece made 140 + years ago, or was it made last week? One clue is if the piece looks “old.” It’s mostly guesswork based upon gut reactions, but these pieces still make for an interesting addition to a collection of Civil War memorabilia.
Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
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Comments
42/92
I saw that you got sniped on that piece I showed you.
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Yes, George, I'll bring them. I show them to anyone else who comes to Lakeland during the February 24 to 27 show. I believe that Thursday, the 24th is a dealer day.
One word of caution. I might not be there on Sunday, the 27th.
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Obscurum per obscurius
Excellent post! Thanks for teaching me something new & interesting!
Great transactions with oih82w8, JasonGaming, Moose1913.