Dollar - Albany Burgesses Corps Albany, NY

Reverse

Within center circle, across is a scroll.
Oct. 8, 1833 / scroll / Oct. 8, 1883 / scroll; outside above • Semper •; outside below • Paratus • (translation: "Always Prepared"); below all, in microscopic incuse text, Tiffany & Co.; beaded border

Script: Latin

Lettering:
• Semper •
Oct. 8 , 1833
Oct. 8 , 1883
• Paratus •
Tiffany & Co.

Comment

Prior to American Revolution, Burgess was delegate of popular branch (House of Burgesses) of Virginia legislature. Word defined, also, as free-man of borough. Use of term spread elsewhere in colonial America. In this case, Albany Burgesses Corps apparently organized 1833 as quasi military unit, elaborately uniformed; participated in certain civic ceremonies; functioned as parading escort to visiting dignitaries; regularly marched in city parades. Organization no longer active.