The seal of the state of Arkansas was adopted in 1864 and was based on the original seal adopted by the territory in 1820. Arkansas was admitted into the Union in 1836, as the 25th state, and was the 9th state to join the Confederacy, by a vote of 69 to 1, on May 6th, 1861. This stunning staff button struck ARKANSAS “top of button” and REGNAT POPULUS “bottom of button.” “Regnat Populus” is a Latin phrase meaning “The people rule“. It is the state motto of Arkansas. The phrase emphasizes the principle of popular sovereignty, where political power ultimately resides with the citizens of the state or nation. What an especially refreshing concept! Exquisite condition example. A five-pointed star at the bottom of shield, back marked, “Horstmann & Allien/N.Y.”  (23mm)