1787 NY 1/2P Excelsior - Indian/Eagle Half Penny

Coin Details

Description

Another very rare muling in the New York Excelsior copper series, this 1787 half penny pairs an obverse die bearing a standing Indian figure with a reverse die depicting an eagle — combining two design elements from what may have been different coinage programs into a single hybrid piece. Like the Indian/Arms muling, this die combination documents the die-sharing and experimental pairing practices of Confederation-era minting operations, where limited supplies of dies and the practical pressures of production sometimes led to unconventional pairings. Struck in copper at approximately 8 grams with a 28 mm diameter and plain edge, the coin features the Indian figure on one side and a heraldic eagle on the other, both accompanied by the EXCELSIOR legend that ties the piece to the New York state coinage program. Cataloged as Whitman 5770 and PCGS #439, the Indian/Eagle muling is classified as very rare, ranking alongside the Indian/Arms variant as one of the most elusive pieces in the New York copper series. The Indian/Eagle combination creates a visually powerful pairing of two of the most important design motifs in early American numismatics — the Native American figure symbolizing the continent and its indigenous heritage, and the eagle symbolizing the new republic's aspiration to sovereignty and strength. For collectors of New York state coppers, acquiring either of the Indian-obverse mulings represents a major accomplishment, as these pieces appear in the market extremely infrequently and command strong premiums when they do.

Rarity Notes

Very rare muling.

Cross References

Whitman 5770