Colonial Coppers: State Issues & Private Mints

America's First Homegrown Coins

In the chaotic period between independence (1776) and the establishment of the US Mint (1792), several states took monetary matters into their own hands by authorizing copper coinages. These state coppers, produced from roughly 1785 to 1788, represent America's first significant domestic coin production and provide a fascinating window into the monetary experiments of a new nation struggling to establish economic credibility.

State coppers were typically produced under contract by private minters who were granted the right to strike coins in exchange for a fee or a share of the profits. Quality varied enormously — from well-struck pieces that rival professional Mint products to crude, lightweight tokens that barely qualified as money. This variety is part of their appeal to collectors.

Connecticut Coppers (1785-1788)

Connecticut authorized the most prolific state copper coinage, producing an estimated 3-5 million coins over four years. The coins were struck under contract by several different firms, creating enormous die variety — over 350 different die combinations have been identified by researchers.

The standard design features a draped bust (similar to British halfpence) on the obverse and a seated Liberty figure on the reverse. However, variations in die cutting, metal quality, and striking technique create a collector's paradise of varieties. Key varieties include the 1787 "Laughing Head" (where Liberty appears to be smiling) and the 1785 "African Head" variety.

Connecticut coppers are the most affordable state coppers, with common examples available from $50-$150 in Fine condition. The extensive die variety study within the series provides depth that can occupy a lifetime of collecting.

Massachusetts Coppers (1787-1788)

Massachusetts produced some of the most professionally executed state coppers, featuring an Indian with bow on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. The coins were struck at a purpose-built mint in Boston and show notably better workmanship than most other state issues.

Two denominations were produced: the cent and half cent — the first American coins to use these denomination names that would later become standard. Massachusetts coppers are scarcer and more expensive than Connecticut pieces, with cents starting around $200-$500 in Fine condition.

New Jersey Coppers (1786-1788)

New Jersey coppers feature a distinctive horse head on the obverse (sometimes called the "horse's head" type) and a US shield on the reverse. Struck under contract by Walter Mould and others, these coins exist in numerous die varieties. The horse head design is unique among American coins and makes New Jersey coppers instantly recognizable.

Common varieties are available from $75-$300 in collectible grades. Key varieties include the "Running Fox" reverse (a die with a fox rather than a shield) and various mules created from mismatched die combinations.

Vermont Coppers (1785-1788)

Vermont coppers are notable for their "Vermont Landscape" design — a sunrise over mountains with a plow in the foreground on the obverse, and a radiant eye with "STELLA QUARTA DECIMA" (Fourteenth Star) on the reverse, reflecting Vermont's aspiration to become the 14th state. Later issues adopted a Draped Bust/Britannia design similar to British halfpence.

The Landscape coppers are among the most visually distinctive state copper designs and are popular with collectors who appreciate Vermont's independent spirit. Prices range from $200-$2,000+ depending on variety and condition.

New York and Other Issues

New York's situation was more complex — the state didn't officially authorize a copper coinage, but several private issues circulated freely:

• Nova Eborac (New York) coppers: Private issues with various designs, $100-$500
• Machin's Mills coppers: Produced at a private mint in Newburgh, NY — some were lightweight imitations of British halfpence, others were more legitimate state-copper-style pieces
• Brasher Doubloon (1787): Ephraim Brasher's private gold coin is one of the most famous and valuable American coins — a unique example sold for $9.36 million in 2021

Other notable private and quasi-official issues include Talbot, Allum & Lee tokens (New York merchant tokens that circulated widely), Kentucky tokens, Mott tokens, and various Washington pieces (tokens bearing George Washington's portrait produced in the 1790s).

Collecting State Coppers

State coppers offer an accessible entry point into early American numismatics:

• Type set: One representative example from each state (Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Vermont, New York) — achievable for $500-$2,000
• Single-state deep dive: Pursuing die varieties within one state's coinage, particularly the well-documented Connecticut series
• Historical collection: Representative pieces spanning the 1785-1788 period alongside Fugio cents and early federal issues

The standard reference is Whitman's "Redbook" for major types, with specialized references for each state's varieties. Coin shows with early American specialists are the best source for state coppers — these coins require in-person evaluation to assess strike quality, surface condition, and overall eye appeal within their characteristically crude manufacturing standards.