1788 CT 1/2P Mailed Bust Right Half Penny

Coin Details

Description

Among the later Connecticut state coppers, this 1788 halfpenny features a mailed (armored) bust facing right — an unusual orientation for the series' final year, when most issues had transitioned to left-facing busts. Cataloged under Miller 1-A and related varieties (Whitman 3140), the obverse depicts the armored bust with AUCTORI CONNEC ("By the Authority of Connecticut"), while the reverse shows seated Liberty with ET LIB INDE ("Both Liberty and Independence"). Connecticut's copper coinage, authorized in October 1785, was contracted to private minters including Samuel Bishop and Company, with subcontractors Abel Buell, James Atlee, and the Machin's Mills operation. By 1788, ratification of the new federal Constitution rendered state coinage authority obsolete. The right-facing mailed bust is moderately scarce because die sinkers had largely adopted the left-facing draped bust style by this date. Struck in copper with weights typically between 4 and 8 grams and diameters around 28-29 mm.

Rarity Notes

Moderately scarce. Right-facing busts are uncommon in 1788.

Cross References

Miller 1-A and related; Whitman 3140