1803 Charleston SERVANT Slave Hire Badge Number 793

1803 Charleston SERVANT Slave Hire Badge Number 793 (image 1/[null, null])
1803 Charleston SERVANT Slave Hire Badge Number 793 (image 2/[null, null])
Pricing & History
1803 Charleston SERVANT Slave Hire Badge Number 793. 53 mm (2.06") copper disc with inscription reading "Charleston/ No. 793/ Servant/ 1803". The numeral is punched, the balance is stamped or struck. Holed at top. Stamped on verso "C. Prince". Charles Prince was a Charleston tinsmith and town lamp-lighter. He produced slave tags from 1801-1807, subcontracting some of the work in later years. Prince was a Methodist who owned no slaves. He may have got some personal satisfaction from the knowledge that, in some small way, he was enabling some slaves to earn enough money over a course of years to buy their freedom. Slave hire badges were produced from 1800 to 1865. While we have sold examples from 1800, 1801 and 1802, this is the first 1803 specimen we have handled. It is distinctive by virtue of its large size and round format. Overall verdigris with light surface rusting. No bends or other defects, as found on peninsular Charleston (Tradd Street). HID03201242017 Grade: 0, Service: Other, Service No.: 0
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