1787 NJ 1/2P Camel Head Half Penny

Coin Details

Auction Record

$16,800 • AU53 • 01-2014 • Heritage Auctions

Description

One of the most recognized and eagerly collected varieties in the entire New Jersey copper series, the 1787 "Camel Head" halfpenny is cataloged as Maris 59-g and Whitman 4900, identified as PCGS #515. The nickname derives from the horse's head on the obverse, which on this particular die bears a distinctive hump-like protrusion that gives the animal a camel-like appearance — a die-cutting peculiarity that has made this one of the most memorable named varieties in American colonial numismatics. Struck in copper at 6.7 grams with a 29 mm diameter and plain edge, the coin displays the standard New Jersey obverse design of a horse's head and plow with the legend NOVA CAESAREA, paired with reverse die "g" featuring the familiar shield and E PLURIBUS UNUM motto. An auction record of $16,800 for an AU53 specimen at Heritage Auctions in January 2014 demonstrates the strong demand for this variety in better grades, where the camel-like hump is most clearly visible. The Maris 59-g die marriage was produced under the 1786 authorization granted to Walter Mould, Thomas Godsbye, and Albion Cox, who operated multiple coining facilities producing New Jersey coppers with a remarkable diversity of die combinations. Scarce and highly popular, the Camel Head ranks alongside the Horse Head and Serpent Head as one of the three most famous named portrait varieties in the New Jersey series, and its immediately recognizable appearance makes it a perennial favorite at auction.

Rarity Notes

Scarce and highly popular. One of the most recognized New Jersey copper varieties.

Cross References

Maris 59-g; Whitman 4900