Confederatio Copper Coins

About This Coin

The Confederatio coppers of 1785-1786 are a series of experimental or proposed federal coins struck during the period of the Articles of Confederation. Featuring the legend CONFEDERATIO (Latin for "Confederation") on one side, these coins exist in numerous die combinations pairing various obverse designs including Inimica Tyrannis ("Enemy of Tyrants"), Washington portraits, Immunis Columbia, arms and eagles, and shields. The diverse combinations suggest these were experimental proposals for a national coinage, with dies mixed and matched to test different design concepts. Most are struck in copper, though extremely rare silver impressions exist. The identity of their maker remains uncertain, though connections to other colonial minting operations are evident from shared dies.