1790 Kentucky Half Penny Token - Plain Edge

Coin Details

Description

Bearing the date 1790, this Kentucky Half Penny Token with a plain edge is one of several edge variants in a series struck in England for circulation in the American states. Weighing 9.5 grams with a 29 mm diameter, the copper token features a distinctive design: the obverse shows a hand holding a scroll inscribed with the motto "OUR CAUSE IS JUST" surrounded by a star-filled border representing the original states, while the reverse displays a pyramid of fifteen interlocked stars representing the states of the Union, with "E PLURIBUS UNUM" above. Cataloged as Whitman 8625 and PCGS #614, the plain edge variety is considered common for the series — a relative term given that all Kentucky tokens are collected avidly by specialists in early American private coinage. The tokens were manufactured in Birmingham, England, by one of the many private minting firms that produced coppers for American circulation during the late 18th century when the young nation lacked sufficient small-denomination coinage. Kentucky had been admitted as the fifteenth state in 1792, and these tokens likely commemorated or celebrated the new state's entry into the Union. The edge treatment serves as the primary differentiator among Kentucky Half Penny variants, with plain, engrailed, vine, lettered, and other edge types each representing separate production runs or different manufacturing contracts. This piece belongs to the Post-1776 Private and Regional Issues (1778-1820) series.

Rarity Notes

Common for the series.

Cross References

Whitman 8625