1785 Inimica Tyrannis - Large Stars Silver Half Penny

Coin Details

Description

Struck in silver rather than the standard copper, this 1785 Inimica Tyrannis / Confederatio piece with large stars is cataloged as Crosby 3-C (silver variant) and Whitman 5665. The rarity notes classify it as extremely rare and a major rarity in silver, placing it among the most significant pieces in the entire Confederatio series. The obverse bears the legend INIMICA TYRANNIS AMERICANA ("Enemy of Tyrants, America") with a standing figure holding a sword and olive branch — symbolizing America's willingness to defend liberty while seeking peace — and the reverse displays CONFEDERATIO surrounded by large stars representing the states. The absence of the 1/2P denomination marking noted in the existing description suggests this silver piece may have been produced as a pattern or presentation specimen rather than a circulating coin, a hypothesis strongly supported by the precious-metal composition. Silver pattern strikings of Confederation-era coppers are vanishingly rare and represent the highest tier of early American numismatic collecting. The Confederatio series encompasses several obverse and reverse die combinations sharing the CONFEDERATIO reverse legend, each pairing documenting the experimental nature of pre-federal coinage design. Crosby's 1875 reference first classified these pieces, and the silver variant designation acknowledges that the same dies struck both copper and silver pieces, with silver impressions reserved for special purposes. For advanced colonial collectors, this silver Inimica Tyrannis represents a piece of extraordinary rarity and historical weight.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. A major rarity in silver.

Cross References

Crosby 3-C (silver variant); Whitman 5665