- Gold Au $3991.40 $9.46
- Silver Ag $56.08 $0.07
- Platinum Pt $1616.10 $-7.07
- Palladium Pd $1253.50 $-1.48
1787 Post Colonial Issues New Jersey Coppers - Copper ANACS VG-10 Details
Category: Post Colonial Issues New Jersey Coppers - CopperDescription
Discover a genuine piece of early American history with this 1787 New Jersey Copper, a iconic Post-Colonial issue that circulated during the formative years of the United States. Struck in the era immediately following the American Revolution, these coppers represent one of the most important state-issued coinages before the establishment of the United States Mint in 1792. This particular example has been professionally graded by ANACS as VG-10 Details and offers collectors an affordable way to own a tangible artifact from the birth of the American nation.
The New Jersey Coppers were authorized by the New Jersey legislature in 1786 and produced at several private mints, most notably the Morristown Mint. These coins were struck in copper and served as legal tender within the state during a time when small change was desperately needed. Each coin features the classic obverse design showing a horse's head facing right with a plow below and the date 1787, accompanied by the legend "NOVA CAESAREA" (Latin for New Jersey). The reverse displays the image of a U.S. shield with six arrows and the motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM," making it one of the earliest coins to use this famous American phrase.
Collectors and history enthusiasts alike prize these Post-Colonial issues for their historical significance and distinctive hand-struck character. Each 1787 New Jersey Copper is unique due to the primitive minting techniques of the period, resulting in slight variations in strike quality, planchet preparation, and surface texture that make every specimen special. This ANACS certified example displays the honest wear consistent with its Very Good-10 Details grade, allowing the major design elements to remain clearly visible and well-defined for both study and appreciation.
Owning a 1787 New Jersey Copper connects you directly to the economic challenges faced by the newly independent United States. These coins circulated alongside other state coppers from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Vermont, as well as various foreign coins. They represent a fascinating chapter in American numismatics that bridges the gap between Colonial coinage and the federal issues that would follow. Whether you're building a type set of early American coins, specializing in New Jersey Coppers, or simply appreciate early U.S. history, this specimen makes an excellent addition to any collection.
Coin Specifications
- Year: 1787
- Denomination: Copper (equivalent to one halfpenny)
- Grade: ANACS VG-10 Details
- Type: New Jersey Copper
- Series: Post-Colonial Issues
- Composition: Pure Copper
- Mint: Private mints in New Jersey (primarily Morristown)
- Obverse: Horse head right over plow, "NOVA CAESAREA"
- Reverse: U.S. Shield with "E PLURIBUS UNUM"
- Weight: Approximately 150 grains (varies due to hand production)
- Diameter: Approximately 28-30mm
The historical importance of the 1787 New Jersey Coppers cannot be overstated. Authorized under an act passed by the New Jersey General Assembly on June 1, 1786, these coins were among the first to bear the name of an American state and helped establish the concept of state-issued currency in the early republic. The phrase "E PLURIBUS UNUM" on the reverse would later become the official motto of the United States, making these coins particularly significant to students of American symbolism and early federal iconography.
Numismatic researchers have identified numerous varieties of the 1787 New Jersey Copper based on die characteristics, with some varieties being significantly rarer than others. The specimens that have survived more than two centuries of circulation represent only a tiny fraction of those originally minted. Many examples were melted down for their copper content or simply worn out through extensive use in commerce. The ANACS grading ensures that this particular coin has been carefully examined by professional numismatists who have verified its authenticity and assigned the appropriate grade.
This 1787 Post Colonial New Jersey Copper would make a magnificent centerpiece for any collection focused on early American coinage. Its rich brown copper surfaces tell the story of its journey through early American history, from the hands of merchants and farmers in Revolutionary-era New Jersey to the collections of modern-day enthusiasts. The VG-10 Details grade indicates a coin that retains substantial detail while showing the natural wear of a piece that actually served as currency during America's most formative period.
Whether displayed in a collection cabinet, used as an educational tool, or simply admired as a direct link to our nation's past, this ANACS certified 1787 New Jersey Copper represents an exceptional opportunity for serious collectors and history buffs. Its combination of historical importance, distinctive design, and certified authenticity makes it a standout addition to any numismatic portfolio. Don't miss your chance to own this authentic piece of America's numismatic heritage.
Specifications
