Help Identifying Old Button Please!

[ChasDigging]

Found in downtown Charleston.

Scroll above says 'E Pluribus Unum', Back says 'Gilt'. It looks like the presidential seal, but I don't know who would've had a flat button with that on it.

Thanks!

 

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[IMHO]

My Latin is a bit rusty but I think that "from many is one" you can probably get a more accurate translation.
I recall this being the inscription on the original seals for the US. The latter half of the 1800's (1750 onwards) saw an act of congress adopt a new inscription.

I think that should help date the piece (unless it proves to be a later reproduction). As to exactly what it is I could not be certain. Perhaps the end of a seal, the shaft having become detached. A trip to a museum or college with a good American history department might shed some light.

I would be most interested to find out more.