Help with Confederate Half-Dollar Design

GritsMan

I'm looking at the reverse of the Confederate States 1861 half dollar design (2007 Red Book page 375), and I am wondering, does anyone know what the little thing is above the shield, and its significance? It looks like a little hat or tree, but I can't figure it out. Also wondering what the two plants surrounding the shield might be. Is one cotton?

Big thanks in advance!

Sneed

EagleEye

Phrygian Cap

Edited to add: Here an interesting entry:

In 1854, when sculptor Thomas Crawford was preparing models for sculpture for the United States Capitol then Secretary of War Jefferson Davis (later to be the President of the Confederate States of America) insisted that a Phrygian cap not be included of a statue of Justice on the grounds that, "American liberty is original and not the liberty of the freed slave." (Gale, p. 124) The cap was not included in the final marble version that is now in the building.

GritsMan

Eagle Eye,

Thanks so much! It would have taken me weeks to find this--if ever. Fascinating story, too, especially with Jeff Davis' early objection to it!

I appreciate your help!