1785 C Nova 1/2P Pointed Rays - Small Date Half Penny

Coin Details

Description

Identified by smaller date numeral punches, this 1785 Nova Constellatio copper halfpenny with pointed rays is cataloged as Crosby 5-E and Whitman 1730. The obverse features an eye of Providence surrounded by thirteen pointed rays with NOVA CONSTELLATIO ("New Constellation") — symbolizing divine oversight and the new American nation. The reverse presents a crowned US monogram with LIBERTAS JUSTITIA ("Liberty and Justice"). The pointed rays distinguish this from the blunt rays variety (Crosby 4-D), terminating in sharp, tapered points. The Nova Constellatio coppers of 1783 and 1785 represent an ambitious Confederation-period coinage venture; the 1783 issues are attributed to Gouverneur Morris as national coinage proposals, while the 1785 issues were struck by authorized coiners continuing the design. The Crosby reference, published in 1875 in "The Early Coins of America," remains the foundation for classifying die varieties. Struck in copper, these halfpence circulated alongside state coppers, British halfpence, and tokens in the mid-1780s economy. The Small Date variety is scarce.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Small Date variety.

Cross References

Crosby 5-E; Whitman 1730