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1824 Charleston MECHANIC Slave Hire Badge #103

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Cultures & Ethnicities Start Price:750.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
1824 Charleston MECHANIC Slave Hire Badge #103
<B>1824 Charleston MECHANIC Slave Hire Badge. Number 103.</B></I> A slightly convex square-shaped tag with clipped corners, a hole for suspension, 49mm x 53mm. An uncommon "J.J. LAFAR" hallmark is on the front at the bottom. Typically, the LaFar hallmark does not include the initials on 1824 examples. The elements on the front are as follows (top to bottom): "*CHARLESTON*" in a crescent-shaped bar punch (slightly double struck); "1824" bar punched; "MECHANIC" in a rectangular punch; "No" in a square punch followed by an incuse "103" in individual punches; and, as mentioned, "J.J. LAFAR" in a rectangular punch. This example was certainly not dug and as Rich Hartzog of World Exonumia describes it: "While difficult to see, there is a small burr at the top of the hole, attesting to it never being used!" This is as nice a slave badge as you're likely to find with extremely fine detail and a smooth surface. <BR><BR>If you are looking for a slave tag based on displayability, this is definitely one to consider. The scarceness of the Mechanic occupation coupled with the unusual hallmark variation on the front and excellent condition makes this an extremely desirable example.