This image provided by Heritage Auctions, shows 21-star U.S. flag. Illinois state investigators are scrutinizing the purchase by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum of this 21-star U.S. flag reportedly from 1818-1819 at the time that Illinois was admitted to the Union as the 21st state. At the same time, one of the nation's top vexillologists, or flag experts, says the flag is not from 1818 but from the Civil War period and is likely a so-called Southern exclusionary flag, reserving on its blue canton space for stars representing only those states remaining loyal to the Union. (Heritage Auctions via AP)
