[ Autographs ] TWICE-USED CIVIL WAR SLAVE TAG A most unusual and unique relic of the slavery system, a silver-dollar sized slave tag from Charleston, S.C. used in 1861 and again in 1863. Beginning in the early 1800s, owners of slaves hired out in particular skilled occupations were required to pay an annual tax on their slaves for this privilege, as the slaves were generating income for the owner, and therefore directly competing with skilled white workers. While practicing his or her occupation, the slave was required to wear this tag around his neck as proof that he had been properly licensed and that the proper tax had been paid. This specimen, consigned by a prominent collector, is especially unusual in that it was used twice for two separate occupations and is therefore double-stamped, marked on one side: "212 SERVANT 1861", and on the other side: "77 FRUITERER 1863". It is likely that the shortage of metals during the war led to this tag being recycled in this fashion. It should be noted that the profession of fruitier is one of the least common of the professions licensed, adding to the scarcity of this item. A superb item, in very good condition.