Whatzit Forum

I'm thinking this button in the Todays Finds Photo Gallery is common but the word's on it have me stumped. The button is pic #30 & 31 for 4/17/04. It is about three-fourths of an inch across and is convex on the front side. The back is pretty corroded. The button appears to be copper or brass. It was found at a 1950's era elementary school in MI. As far as I can read the words on it are "Buro Cotyr 1780x Archid Avs Dux" Any idea's so I can sleep at night again. Thanks
P.S.- I used to be able to insert these pics in the post but with the new system can't seem to figure it out.

From the link below. Hope you can get to sleep now.
>>>10.02.04 03:50, Sender: Russel ( russ*andersonaz.com )
Anfrage - Question:
I have a coin: on one face a lady with "R.IMP.HU.BO.REG/M.THERESSIA.A.D.G BURG.CO.TYR.1780.X/ARCHID.AVST.DUX
31.01.04 21:04, Sender: Helmut Graber
Anfrage :
Ich bitte um Information einer Münze die sich in meinem Besitz befindet. Auf der einen Seite befindet sich der Kopf von Maria Theresia, rundum befidnet sich folgende Aufschrift: R IMP HU BO REG M THERESIAD G; auf der anderen Seite befindet sich ein zweiköpfiger Adler mit der Aufschrift: BURG CO TYR 1780 X ARCHID AVST DUX. Mich würde der Wert dieser Münze interessieren!? Bitte um Antwort. <<<

Mike your button is the reverse of a Maria Theresia, Austrian coin, looks like a copy (maybe an actual coin made into a button). Nice find, Mike! Congrats!
More info:
Different varieties with Maria were minted for the Austrian empire:
* Austrian Luxembourg and Liege
* Austrian Netherlands
* Austrian Burgau
* Salzburg Coins
* Austrian Lombardy Coins
One in paticular, the Thaler, was a widely circulated coin. Our "dollar" is a word derived from the name of this coin.
Some info on the inscriptions:
Ruler: Maria Theresia
Legend (obverse):
R.IMP. HU.BO. REG. M.THERESIA. D.G. R.IMP.
(Romanorum Imperator Semper August) - Emperor of the Romans Ever August
HU.BO. - Queen of Hungary and Bohemia
REG. - Royality
M.THERESIA. - Maria Theresia
D.G. (Del Gratia) - By the grace of God
Legend (reverse): DUX.BURG. CO.TYR. ARCHID.AUST.
DUK.BURG. - Duchess Of Burgau
CO.TYR. - Countess of Tyrol
ARCHID.AUST. - Archduchess of Austria
Mintmasters Initials: SC
SC - Tobias Schobl and Joseph von Clotz Crowned imperal eagle with the Burgau coat of arms

Thanks for the info. I don't know how you answer so fast but sure am grateful. Just have to find out what type of clothing this button would be on. Maybe a sportcoat or something. The information turns my little piece of metal into something interesting.

hee hee