Robert J. Silverstein’s

1789 George Washington Inaugural & New Nation Tribute Buttons

 

America’s Three Roads

Liberty, Prosperity, and Independence represent the core principles that represent the newly formed nations identity and purpose. Together, they define a path of individual freedom, economic strength, and self-reliance. 

 

  I’m Robert J. Silverstein the author, creator, and developer of this library, which showcases 1789 and 1792 George Washington Inaugural buttons, New Nation Tribute buttons, and early 18th-century American and British military buttons. Through the invaluable partnership and friendship of Dale Hawley and Robert Milburn, we’ve assembled a premier collection that not only supports the hobby for button collectors but also helps tell the untold story of early American insignia used during the founding of the United States. Our research, done in collaboration with fellow collectors and university cultural historians, brings to light the deeper meanings behind the engraved symbols on these historic buttons.

  The symbols found on these buttons were first embraced by America’s early Revolutionary colonists. These meaningful emblems were later engraved onto George Washington’s Inaugural and New Nation Tribute buttons, becoming a powerful tribute to the ideals of the new republic. In time, many of these symbols evolved into official motifs which are still used by the United States government and military.

  Yet, the origins and meanings of many of these early Revolutionary symbols that were adopted by the founding generation remain obscure or forgotten by later generations of Americans. This website aims to decode those lost meanings and serve as a tribute to the colonists and soldiers who held these symbols dear during pre & post revolutionary times.

  After years of dedicated research and collecting, I’ve been able to document and present previously unlisted George Washington inaugural button types, along with thirteen forgotten sub-variants. None of which were recorded by Albert or Cobb’s earlier works. To date (2025), this site’s library has cataloged approximately 2,600 known specimens, many of which were unearthed by modern metal detector enthusiasts or preserved in private family collections that have gone unrecorded.

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” Tres Viae ”
Libertas, Prosperitas, Independentia 

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Robert J. Silverstein’s Theory on the Enigmatic Origins of
1789 George Washington Inaugural & New Nation Tribute Buttons

 

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George Washington’s Bailey Silver & Ivory Hilted Cuttoe Sword

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“In my view, George Washington Inaugural and New Nation Tribute buttons are not only the earliest numismatic and commemorative artifacts of the United States, but also among the most significant Historical Political Collectable Symbols of the nation’s founding era. -” R.J.Silverstein

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