Isaac , Dandies , cloak or frock buttons could all mean the same , depending on who is talking about them :lol: Generally , Dandy buttons are the late 1700's era copper alloy type , usually larger than a modern quarter ( and up to a silver dollar in size) . these are always designed with tooled or machine stamped motifs , such as "sunbursts" , "pinwheels" . "floral" .