I Too have heard of reales being used for buttons , I believe there are revolutionary military examples too! Have also seen large cents used as coat buttons, First bust coin! Awesome job!It was actually pretty common practice to use small coins for buttons. Most often it was Spanish half reales. I've only found one that was used as a button, but I know others who've found half reales make into buttons as well. Here's mine: <img src="http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1008831"/>