Two-piece engraved coin identification badge. Obverse of lower disc engraved with crossed sabers and "Thomas Reddy / Co. M / 2d. Vet. Cav. / N.Y.S.V." Reverse of upper eagle retains original pin and loop. Reverse of lower coin/disc with cast legend: "United States of America / Hal[f D]ol." Approx. 1 5/8 x 2 in.

A Seated Liberty Half Dollar coin has been repurposed to polish and engrave the obverse into a Civil War soldier's identification badge. Affixed to an upper suspension pin in the form of a spread-winged eagle with a superimposed Federal shield. 

Thomas Reddy (alt. Ready) enlisted as a substitute private on 27 November 1863 at Albany into Company M of the 2nd New York Veteran Cavalry, also known as the "Empire Light Cavalry". Organized in the late summer of 1863, the regiment was composed of many who were discharged from the 30th New York Infantry. Reddy seems to have been a draft substitute. After the organization, the regiment moved to the Department of the Gulf, joined the Red River Campaign, and participated in expeditions and operations around Louisiana and the Gulf. 

An interesting coin badge engraved to a cavalry soldier. 

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Relics, Militaria] [Medals, Corps Badges, Badges]