The Roosevelt pin fetched the high price because of its rare depiction of African-American infantrymen following Roosevelt up San Juan Hill a fact that turn-of-the-century button makers tended to ignore.

WSJ: The American Political Items Collectors Meet

Over the last 111 years from San Juan Hill to the Argonne Forest, Midway to Inchon, Hue City to Kuwait City, and the Korengal Valley to the Sunni Triangle VFW members have fought for our country on both the frontlines and the home front.

WHITEHOUSE: An Obligation to Those Who Serve