Following up from the video yesterday, many people said they couldn’t see the “USA” inscribed on the button. A little directional light helps to bring it out. These pewter coat buttons and other artifacts help archaeologists determine which side the soldiers were fighting on. These particular buttons were in remarkable condition and several at this site still had remnants of wool clinging to the shank. I got emotional the first time I saw one. Just minting the three letters was an act of defiance and realizing that this was one of the first times the phrase, the ideal, was coined and fought for by these soldiers was extremely powerful. Shot #onassignment for @natgeo. This project was a collaboration with South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust, University of South Carolina, Historic Camden Foundation, SCDNR, SCIAA, and Richland County Coroners Office. The soldiers were in unmarked graves and they were carefully exhumed for scientific study and will be given a proper burial in April 2023. Lighting help by @thewildstein