1776 1776' 1/2P Machin's Mills - Small Date Half Penny

Coin Details

Description

Produced at the clandestine Machin's Mills facility near Newburgh, New York, this small date halfpenny bears the date 1776 in noticeably smaller numeral punches than the standard issue. Cataloged under Vlack die combinations (Whitman 7715), it weighs approximately 7.5 grams with a 28 mm diameter and plain edge (PCGS #463). Captain Thomas Machin obtained a New York State license to produce copper coins, though the operation frequently produced lightweight imitations of British halfpence rather than authorized coinage. The small date variety represents a specific die identified by its smaller numeral punches. Despite the 1776 date, Machin's Mills production occurred primarily between 1787 and 1790 — the date does not correspond to the actual year of manufacture, a common practice in eighteenth-century token production. Located along the Moodna Creek in the Hudson Highlands, the facility's isolation afforded protection from legal scrutiny. Struck in copper, the small date variety is scarce among Machin's Mills issues.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Small date variety.

Cross References

Vlack; Whitman 7715