1786 NJ 1/2P NarShld - Strgt Plow Beam Half Penny

Coin Details

Description

Identified by the Maris 17-b die combination and cataloged as Whitman 4755, this 1786 New Jersey copper half penny pairs the narrow shield reverse with the straight plow beam obverse. The straight plow beam — a rigid, linear connection between the horse and the plowshare — contrasts with the curved plow beam variety (Maris 16-L) of the same year, providing a clear diagnostic distinction between two contemporary obverse dies. New Jersey's copper coinage was authorized by the state legislature on June 1, 1786, with the initial contract awarded to Walter Mould, Thomas Goadsby, and Albion Cox, who established minting operations in Rahway and subsequently expanded to additional facilities. The obverse design features the horse's head and plow — symbolizing New Jersey's agricultural heritage — with the legend NOVA CAESAREA (the Latin name for New Jersey, meaning "New Caesarea" or "New Jersey"), while the reverse displays an American shield with E PLURIBUS UNUM. Struck in copper, the coin weighs approximately 6.7 grams with a 29 mm diameter and plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #45423. Classified as moderately scarce, the Maris 17-b combination is accessible to collectors working through the New Jersey copper series systematically. Dr. Edward Maris published his definitive study of New Jersey coppers in 1881, establishing the die combination numbering system that specialists continue to use, with lowercase letters designating reverse dies and numerals identifying obverse dies.

Rarity Notes

Moderately scarce.

Cross References

Maris 17-b; Whitman 4755