This is a gorgeous non-excavated Civil War coat size button for the state of Virginia. On the face is the classic Virginia state seal in the center with "VIRGINIA" at the top and "SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS". This is the motto of Virginia which translates to "THUS UNTO TYRANTS". The button has a wonderful look with a wonderful amount of the original silver with the copper button highlights making the detail stand out superbly. The original back and shank is present with the correct and desirable pre-Civil War era backmark of "W.H. SMITH & CO. NEW - YORK." in the stippled channel. This is the version and this style is listed as VA4 in Albert's button book and VA206a7 in Tice's button book. This is a fantastic non-excavated Civil War Virginia state seal.