1/2 Penny - Copper 'Bust Facing Right'

Historical Context: The 1785 Connecticut 1/2 Penny emerged post-Revolutionary War, under the Articles of Confederation. With no uniform national currency, states like Connecticut issued their own copper coinage to alleviate a severe shortage of small change and facilitate local commerce. These state coppers represent a vital economic bridge between colonial monetary systems and the eventual United States Mint, highlighting states' economic autonomy during a federal monetary void.

Artistry: The 1785 Connecticut 1/2 Penny, featuring a "Bust Facing Right" on the obverse, reflects the early American Republican stylistic school. The specific engraver is unconfirmed, but the artistry suggests a local die sinker, typical of the era's nascent minting. The bust is generally interpreted as an allegorical representation of Liberty. The reverse typically displays a seated figure of Liberty, with the legend "AUCTORI. CONNEC." (By the Authority of Connecticut), embodying the state's sovereign right to issue coinage.

Technical/Grading: Grading this type demands careful attention to the variable strike quality inherent to early state coppers. Key high-points on the obverse bust include the hair above the ear, forehead, and shoulder drapery. On the reverse, the head and knee of the seated figure are critical wear indicators. Technical strike qualities often range from weak to uneven, with central areas frequently lacking full detail due to insufficient pressure or worn dies. Planchet quality is also highly variable, commonly exhibiting laminations, minor cracks, or irregular surfaces.