1785 C Nova 1/2P Pointed Rays Half Penny

Coin Details

Description

Cataloged as Crosby 4-D and Whitman 1725, this 1785 Nova Constellatio copper half penny features the pointed rays obverse with the standard (large) date — the most commonly encountered variety for the 1785 date within this proposed national coinage series. The obverse displays the eye of providence at center, surrounded by thirteen stars and sharply pointed radiating rays extending outward like a starburst, with the legend NOVA CONSTELLATIO ("New Constellation") invoking the imagery of a new arrangement of stars representing the united states. The reverse carries a wreath with the denomination and the motto LIBERTAS JUSTITIA (Liberty and Justice). The pointed rays extend to sharp, well-defined tips, contrasting with the blunt (rounded) ray terminations found on the blunt rays varieties. The Nova Constellatio coppers were produced as part of the monetary experimentation of the early 1780s, connected to proposals for a national coinage system advanced by Gouverneur Morris and Robert Morris. The Crosby 4-D die combination identifies this specific obverse-reverse pairing within Sylvester S. Crosby's classification system established in his 1875 reference work. Struck in copper, the coin follows the halfpenny standard. The rarity notes classify this as common for the series and the most available 1785 variety, making it an ideal entry point for collectors beginning to explore the Nova Constellatio series. The 1785 date represents the final year of known Nova Constellatio copper production, with earlier dates (1783 and 1785) encompassing the entire series.

Rarity Notes

Common for the series. The most available 1785 variety.

Cross References

Crosby 4-D; Whitman 1725