1783 C Nova 1/2P Pointed Rays - Large US Half Penny

Coin Details

Description

Cataloged as Crosby 1-A and Whitman 1700, this 1783 Nova Constellatio copper halfpenny combines pointed rays emanating from the central all-seeing eye of providence with the "Large US" lettering variant, where the UNITED STATES inscription on the reverse appears in larger-than-standard letters. CONSTELLATIO NOVA ("New Constellation") refers to the allegorical design concept featuring the eye of providence surrounded by thirteen stars and rays, each star representing one of the original states in the new American nation. The pointed rays have sharply tapered terminals, distinguishing them from the blunt rays type where the ray ends are rounded — a die-cutting distinction that serves as the primary diagnostic for separating the two major reverse types. The Nova Constellatio coppers of 1783 and 1785 represent one of the earliest attempts at a national American coinage, produced privately but bearing quasi-governmental symbolism drawn from the Great Seal and Confederation-era iconography. The Crosby reference (published 1875) established the foundational classification for these pieces, and the 1-A die combination identifies the specific obverse and reverse pairing. Moderately scarce, the Large US lettering variety indicates a specific reverse die distinguished by the proportionally larger UNITED STATES inscription, which occupies more of the available space on the reverse field compared to the Small US variant, providing a clear visual diagnostic even without magnification.

Rarity Notes

Moderately scarce. Large US lettering variety.

Cross References

Crosby 1-A; Whitman 1700