1787 CT 1/2P Small Head Right - ''ET LIB'' Half Penny

Coin Details

Description

Cataloged as Miller 2-A and related die combinations, with Whitman number 2835, this 1787 Connecticut copper half penny features a small head facing right on the obverse paired with the ET LIB reverse legend — one of several abbreviations of ET LIBERTATEM (Independence and Liberty) used on Connecticut copper reverse dies. The small head right portrait type is distinguished from the large head and mailed bust varieties by its compact facial features and the rightward orientation of the bust, and the Miller 2-A die attribution links this specific obverse die to its paired reverse. Connecticut's copper coinage was authorized by the state legislature in October 1785, with production contracted to a group of private minters who operated from multiple locations including New Haven and nearby communities. The diversity of portrait styles — small head, large head, mailed bust, draped bust, and other variations in both left and right orientations — reflects the number of individual die sinkers contributing to Connecticut's copper production, each bringing their own artistic interpretation to the basic design requirements. Struck in copper, the coin weighs approximately 6.5 grams with a 28.5 mm diameter and plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #346. Classified as moderately scarce, this die combination is obtainable for collectors building a representative Connecticut copper type set organized by portrait style and legend variation.

Rarity Notes

Moderately scarce.

Cross References

Miller 2-A and related; Whitman 2835