1786 NJ 1/2P Nar Shld - Curv Plow Beam Half Penny

Coin Details

Description

Bearing the Maris 16-L die combination and Whitman 4750 catalog number, this 1786 New Jersey copper half penny combines the narrow shield reverse with the curved plow beam obverse — two design details that help specialists attribute the specific die pair among the dozens of combinations produced during New Jersey's contract coinage period. The narrow shield is distinguishable from the wide shield variant by its more compact proportions and tighter arrangement of the horizontal bars, while the curved plow beam on the obverse shows a distinct arc in the wooden beam connecting the horse to the plowshare, contrasting with the straight beam found on other obverse dies. New Jersey coppers from 1786 represent the first year of production under the legislative authorization of June 1, 1786, and the variety of die combinations reflects the multiple minting facilities involved in production at Rahway, Morristown, and nearby locations. Struck in copper, the coin weighs approximately 6.7 grams with a 29 mm diameter and plain edge, following the halfpenny standard. Cataloged as PCGS #45424. Classified as moderately scarce, this die combination is well within reach for dedicated colonial copper collectors. The Maris numbering system, developed by Dr. Edward Maris in his 1881 monograph on New Jersey coppers, remains the standard attribution reference for the series, with each die combination assigned a unique alphanumeric designation linking a specific obverse die to a specific reverse die.

Rarity Notes

Moderately scarce.

Cross References

Maris 16-L; Whitman 4750