just need to make a trip out east to better my odds
That's a thrilling find! You need just a bit more enthusiasm for such a fanstastic find, even if this is your second GWI. Where’s the excitement? Yes — your modesty is admirable, but how about a little bit of a cheer? That’s an awesome find with so much history attached to a specific historical event.
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I don’t believe there is much interest in distinguishing among the three different varieties, which is determined by spacing of the GW initials. All the varieities are valuable, but no one variety is exceedingly rare. I believe that these buttons, even the dug specimens, easily demand $2000 - $3000 a piece. Does your button still have the shank attached? There continues to be strong demand for GWI buttons by collectors of buttons and early Americana. Auction prices really provide insight on the value of such pieces — what someone is willing to pay make the winning bid. I was really surprised to see the $6000 hammer price for a GWI sold earlier this year.
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It’s the same variety as you found, and the $6000 specimen had some issues with its condition - dings or blemishes. I guess a GWI button can really demand a substantial auction price if you have two bidders fighting it out to make the winning bid. Congrats on a great find. Keep it coming. You have my vote for banner.
George Washington Inaugural Buttons ? GWI 11-A, B, C, & DThe GW Monogramin the Oval Center
Looks like the difference between A and B are metal composition. Type A was Brass, and Type B was copper.
I could be wrong, but Looking at the photos, I'm thinking you have a brass button. Does anyone know how to test for that without damaging the metal?