1785 C Nova 1/2P Blunt Rays Half Penny

Coin Details

Description

Featuring rounded, blunt-tipped rays radiating from the central eye of Providence, this 1785 Nova Constellatio copper halfpenny is cataloged as Crosby 4-D and Whitman 1720. The blunt rays — with rounded terminations rather than sharp, tapered points — represent one of two major ray-style classifications for Nova Constellatio coppers. The obverse presents the all-seeing eye surrounded by thirteen rays with NOVA CONSTELLATIO ("New Constellation") and the date 1785; the reverse displays a crowned US monogram with LIBERTAS JUSTITIA ("Liberty and Justice"). The 1783 Nova Constellatio issues have been connected to Gouverneur Morris's national coinage proposal, while the 1785 pieces were struck by authorized coiners continuing the design. The blunt rays on this 1785 variety are stylistically similar to the 1783 blunt rays type, suggesting continuity in die-making approach or similar punch tools. Struck in copper, these halfpence circulated alongside state coppers, British halfpence, and tokens in the mid-1780s. Crosby's 1875 classification remains the standard reference. Moderately scarce.

Rarity Notes

Moderately scarce.

Cross References

Crosby 4-D; Whitman 1720