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1857 Charleston MECHANIC Slave Hire Badge #153

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Cultures & Ethnicities Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 2,500.00 USD
1857 Charleston MECHANIC Slave Hire Badge #153
<B>1857 Charleston MECHANIC Slave Hire Badge. Number 153.</B></I> A flat diamond-shaped tag with clipped corners, holed at top for suspension, 49mm x 50mm. Manufactured once again this year by silversmith William M. Rouse. The elements on the front are as follows (top to bottom): "CHARLESTON" in a crescent-shaped bar punch; an incuse "153" in individual punches; "MECHANIC" in a rectangular punch; and "1857" bar punched. Condition is very fine with a dark chocolate patina and slightly porous surfaces. The elements are all clearly stamped. <BR><BR>The combination of a low mintage (3,680 estimated), a rare occupation (less than 10% of those issued), and the nice condition makes this a slave hire badge you don't want to pass up for your collection.