Charleston Slave Hire Badges

[B.H.]

We have been very fortunate to dig a few of these rare relics

 

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[pokerbear]

Nice finds but it is truley unfortunate that such things were ever in use.

 

[kd8hf]

These thing do go for a pretty penny I believe.

Nice looking finds I must say.

Gary

 

[stoney56]

Can only think of one word and "WOW" doesn't quite cover it.

 

[B.H.]

Nice finds but it is truley unfortunate that such things were ever in use.

You are right..there are a lot of things in our past that probably should not have happened and a lot in the present that is wrong...but I prefer to let the relics be what they are..relics and no more....thanks......B.H.

 

[Pulltab Parson]

Those are in really good shape! Did you clean them up or did they look that good when you dug them?

I be a museum would be willing to pay a decent price for those types of finds if you would be willing to part with them.

congrats on the truly rare finds!

 

[B.H.]

Those are in really good shape! Did you clean them up or did they look that good when you dug them?

I be a museum would be willing to pay a decent price for those types of finds if you would be willing to part with them.

congrats on the truly rare finds!

They come out of the ground dirty..and are lightly cleaned..no scrubbing allowed

 

[dg39]

Are we sure these are not just occupational license tags? I don't think we can be certain on how these tags were looked upon during the stated time period. I don't think the term, "Slave hire tags" may be 100 percent correct. Freemen may have also been required to use them. Slave s were a merchandise with papers just as land,, etc. during that time period. Not trying to stur the pot, just looking at facts I have studied. Remember the history of yesterday is oft changed to fit the politics of today. They are wonderful items of history, no matter how you look at them.
DG

 

[RON (PA)]

Great job. They look fabulous. You have a nice piece of history.

 

[B.H.]

Are we sure these are not just occupational license tags? I don't think we can be certain on how these tags were looked upon during the stated time period. I don't think the term, "Slave hire tags" may be 100 percent correct. Freemen may have also been required to use them. Slave s were a merchandise with papers just as land,, etc. during that time period. Not trying to stur the pot, just looking at facts I have studied. Remember the history of yesterday is oft changed to fit the politics of today. They are wonderful items of history, no matter how you look at them.
DG

All slave owners were required by the city of Charleston to purchase "hire badges" each year for their slaves.It was a form of tax and revenue for the city.Please refer to:Slave Badges and the Slave-Hire System in Charleston,South Carolina,1783-1865 by,Harlan Greene,Harry S.Hutchins,Jr. and Brian E.Hutchins...available at all major book stores and online.......B.H.

P.S.They are called "slave hire badges" in the Charleston City papers and minutes.The book I referred to you will tell you how many were made each year,what they cost to make and the revenue realized by the City.Charleston,S.C.is the only city that required slaves to have badges.All others from elsewhere are fakes or "fantasy" pieces.You might want to study these facts to increase your understanding of these relics..I have...Thanks for your response....B.H.

P.P.S.
You are correct..freemen were also required to have a hire badge..theirs had the word " Free " engraved on them.. with a liberty pole and liberty cap on them..There are only 3 known " free " badges..one is pictured in the book I spoke about..

 

[SilverDreams]

Wow, those are really great finds! Nice job!

 

[FMarion2ndRegSC]

If I'm not mistaken, Oprah and Bill Cosby both have quite a personal collection of slavery exonumia, including tags.

 

[Dimeman]

Great pieces of history!!!!! Very nice finds

 

[karib2517]

nice digs,a Large piece of U.S. history there.

 

[romeo-1]

I'd be calling Oprah...

 

[tejon mark]

those are fantastic finds. i dream of one day finding something that great.

 

[Southcacalaky]

Real Brilliant finds, Congrats !!! Art...

 

[Leon]

Very nice, Congrats!
After looking at a few of these, I'll have to start checking some of my little pieces of scap copper, and brass a little closer...
Good luck, & Happy hunting~

 

[MrWheatie]

We don't find (m)any of those around my neck of the woods (SW-NY). I only dream of such finds. Great collection........The one and only MrWheatie.

 

[B.H.]

If I'm not mistaken, Oprah and Bill Cosby both have quite a personal collection of slavery exonumia, including tags.

I don't think They buy slave tags anymore.They bought a lot of fakes and reproductions from dishonest sellers..so they stopped buying any....B.H.