Coin Button Value Guide

Produced between 1900 and 1950, these brass alloy buttons were designed to mimic the prestige of currency by featuring detailed busts in profile. They represent a specific era of decorative fashion where everyday fasteners were transformed into historical-style medallions to add perceived value to garments.

What affects the value of Coin Button?

• The crispness and detail of the profile bust, as heavy wear reduces the market value toward the $5 range.
• The condition of the brass finish, with original luster or even attractive aging being more desirable than corrosion.
• The structural integrity of the shank on the back, which must be intact for the button to reach the $15 valuation.
• The specific historical figure or motif depicted, as certain artistic profiles are more sought after by thematic collectors.

How to Identify Coin Button?

• Examine the material for a brass or brass alloy composition, which may show a natural aged patina.
• Look for a distinct raised relief of a bust in profile, mimicking the strike of a minted coin.
• Check the reverse side for a functional shank attachment typical of early 20th-century garment fasteners.
• Identify the 'coin-like' aesthetic which lacks actual currency denominations but retains the formal portrait style.

History of Coin Button

Buttons have been used for centuries as both functional fasteners and decorative elements. Early buttons were made from natural materials like bone, wood, and metal. Over time, their designs evolved, often incorporating historical figures, symbols, or artistic motifs. This particular button, with its coin-like appearance, reflects a common decorative trend that sought to imbue everyday items with a sense of historical significance or perceived value.