1786 1/2P Confederatio - Eagle/Shld Half Penny

Coin Details

Description

A variant die combination within the 1786 Confederatio copper series, this halfpenny pairs an eagle obverse with a shield ("Shld") reverse. Cataloged as a variant of Crosby 12-W (Whitman 5705), the abbreviated "Shld" distinguishes this specific die marriage from other Eagle/Shield combinations. The Confederatio coppers represent one of the most intellectually fascinating groups in colonial numismatics, produced circa 1785-1787 when multiple dies were systematically combined to evaluate design concepts for a potential national copper coinage under the Articles of Confederation. The eagle obverse presents one of the earliest eagle motifs on American coins, predating the federal designs adopted after the 1792 Coinage Act. The shield reverse carries imagery of national defense and state unity. The variety of die combinations — eagles with shields, Liberty figures with eagles, Immunis Columbia with multiple reverse types — demonstrates systematic design exploration. Struck in copper, these pieces are very rare, with many combinations known from only a handful of specimens. Crosby's 1875 reference established the foundational classification.

Rarity Notes

Very rare. A variant die combination.

Cross References

Crosby 12-W variant; Whitman 5705