Civil War Artifacts Monthly - October 2013 Edition
A unique Civil War dog tag, engraved onto a silver half dime, has been unearthed by an unnamed individual, stirring excitement among collectors of historical artifacts. This distinctive piece belongs to William Reed, a veteran of the American Civil War who enlisted in Berlin, Wisconsin, in 1862 and was discharged in September 1863.
The dog tag's engraving and silver half dime design make it stand out among Civil War dog tags, as such items were not common during the war. Typically, soldiers did not carry modern-style identification tags; authentic examples made from coins like silver half dimes engraved with a soldier’s information are extremely rare and highly sought-after by collectors.
The dog tag's engraving suggests it may have been a personal or commemorative piece, rather than a standard military issue. Its historical significance is further enhanced by the fact that Reed was taken prisoner at Shiloh during the war and was a prisoner of war at some point.
Although a precise market value is not easily established without a professional appraisal and depends heavily on condition, provenance, and demand, Civil War relics, including engraved coins or personalized dog tags, can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. For example, specialized Civil War memorabilia such as Confederate cavalry sabers sell for thousands of dollars, indicating that historic pieces closely tied to specific soldiers or battles can command a premium.
For an accurate valuation, you should consider contacting John Sexton at CivilWarDealer.com, who is an expert in Civil War militaria and can provide an appraised value based on detailed inspection. Such expert appraisals take into account factors including authenticity, historical significance, and market trends. Without an expert review, any figure would be speculative, but the unique nature of an engraved half dime dog tag would certainly make it a valuable piece for collectors specializing in Civil War artifacts.
John Sexton is an accredited member of various appraiser organizations and an independent appraiser and expert of Civil War memorabilia. If someone has a Civil War item for John Sexton to appraise, they can email a photo and a description to [email protected].
Meanwhile, a sword and map related to the Civil War have also surfaced from an estate sale in Mocksville, N.C. The map measures 8 x 10 inches and is detailed with forts, batteries, and Louisiana regiments. The sword's provenance is unclear, but the finder, who grew up in Mocksville, N.C., and whose father still lives there, hopes to learn more about its history.
As the Civil War dog tag continues to draw attention, collectors and historians alike are eager to learn more about the life of William Reed and the stories behind these unique and valuable pieces of American history.
The unique Civil War dog tag, despite not being a standard military issue, has ignited interest among collectors of historical artifacts and general news. Meanwhile, shoppers with a penchant for home-and-garden or lifestyle items might find the Civil War map, discovered from an estate sale in Mocksville, NC, a desirable addition to their collection, especially since its provenance is still unclear.
