1787 CT 1/2P DB Left - CONNLC Half Penny

Coin Details

Description

Yet another entry in the Connecticut copper's extensive catalog of obverse legend errors, this 1787 half penny renders CONNLC in place of the correct CONNEC, substituting the letter L for the second E in the state name abbreviation. Struck in copper at approximately 6.8 grams with a 28.5 mm diameter and plain edge, the coin displays a draped bust facing left alongside the blundered AUCTORI CONNLC legend, with the standard seated Liberty reverse bearing ET LIB INDE. Cataloged as Miller 33.3-Z.5 and Whitman 2987, with PCGS #385, this variety is classified as a moderately scarce legend error variety. The CONNLC error is part of the prolific Miller 33-series of obverse dies, which collectively contain some of the most extensive and varied legend blunders in all of Connecticut copper coinage. The recurrence of errors specifically in the CONNEC portion of the legend — with CONNFC, CONNLC, and other variants documented — suggests that the state name abbreviation posed particular difficulty for die sinkers, possibly because the double-C ending required careful attention that was sometimes lost during the laborious process of hand-engraving reversed letters into hardened steel. Connecticut coppers circulated widely throughout New England during the Confederation period, supplementing the inadequate supply of official British and Spanish small-denomination coins that had previously served everyday commerce. Legend error varieties from the 33-series dies provide a fascinating micro-study in die preparation quality control — or the lack thereof — during late 18th-century American private coinage production.

Rarity Notes

Moderately scarce legend error variety.

Cross References

Miller 33.3-Z.5; Whitman 2987