USS MAINE Bullet - need advice

I was yard selling this morning and I ran across a ( 2 inch halved round X 9 inch tall ) bullet with "taken from the USS MAINE stamped in it. mounted on a 3/4 inch 4 inch square plate steel base. looks genuine to me.
1. this is historical - what should I do with it...?
2. If I ebay it what should I start the bidding for it... ?

or should I just send it to the smithsonian...



[edit on 10-1-2009 by BornPatriot]

It is worth between 600 - 800 $$$ wow, 2 bucks at a yard sale ...
ebay here it comes ... thanks Dennis Lowe military appraiser

reply to post by BornPatriot


Sounds like a .50 round. You have quite a historical find there. Before selling for a quick buck, check at some military museums, you may have more than you think you have. I have a Sun circle, not a rising sun, Japanese flag that my Great uncle took from the head of a crashed fighter pilot on Iwo Jima. It has blood stains on it. I have been offered $1000 cash for it, but, being a family heirloom, I can never sell.

No, its huge ... 8inches tall 2 inches circular ... I dont know the calbre.. but It looks like those anti aircraft rounds 00 but 1898 there where no planes.

[edit on 12-1-2009 by BornPatriot]

Can you take a picture and show us?

Maybe someone here can identify the caliber and the use of such a round.

Shattered OUT...

Here is a little dramatic video to go with the post for those out there who don't know the story behind the USS MAINE

Oh and good luck, I would go slowly and get the biggest bang for the buck all puns intended