American Civil War era Minié ball style bullet, used in muzzle-loaded rifled muskets. The bullet is made of lead and conical in shape, it has the characteristic grooved tri-ring pattern around the base and the bottom is recessed to allow for maximum damage upon impact. The tip has been deformed by a series of dents, there are also several deep slashes marring the entire surface of the object, although one side has significantly more damage than the other; there is a small piece jutting out from the bottom lip caused by a dented slash on the base. There is a white patina present on the surface of the bullet, this can be caused by long-term exposure to carbon dioxide and is considered to be a normal sign of aging in lead objects.