Strange Large Cent Find. Any ideas?

[1digger]

Found this week in an open field I received permission to search in, near two late 18oo's houses. I initially thought it was a large cent, but then noting the thinness and the strange concentric rings on the back, decided that it must be a button. When I got home I realized there was no shank (which a flat button certainly would have, or the remains of it). Then I noticed the vague bust on the front, at least one star and a faint "8". I'm concluding that it was at one time a Matron Head Cent (1816 -1839 I think) from the shape, but why was it ground thin and what are the circles on the back? The circles initially look like silver plate, but now I am wondering if they are related to an application process, like to a brooch or hair pin?

 

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[Turbo21]

That item you found is indeed a button and the side with the rings is where the shank has worn off. Look at it under a magnifying glass and in the center you will see a slight indentation. Usually they would just break off and leave a slight depression. Period of use; 1700-1850.

You are a little off on your time period

Beings that it was made from a large cent. And the head is facing to the left. The earliest it could possibly be is 1808.

Bob

 

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