This is an excavated Virginia Military Institute coat button. The face features the state seal of Virginia with the words, "CADET / SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS / V.M.I."  This die variant features the spear passing through the "E" of “Cadet”.  It is a two-piece, low convex button, coat size (21mm). The backmark reads: "R & W  ROBINSON" within a ribbon reading counter clockwise; an eagle between the ends. It is circa 1830's-1840's. The face retains approximately 80% gilt and is very nice. The back is pushed in with a flattened shank.

The Virginia Military Institute, in Lexington Virginia, played a major role in the Civil War.  The famed "Stonewall" Jackson was an instructor there, and cadets participated directly in the famed battle of New Market. Union General Hunter burned the institution in 1864. It was re-built and re-opened after the Civil War and is still a highly respected academy known for its traditions.

Reference Albert SU408, Tice VAS294B1. The place of recovery is not known.  [jet]

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