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The 1787 Colonial New Jersey 1/2 Penny, identified as Maris 64-t, is a fascinating piece of early American numismatic history. Issued during the formative years of the United States, this coin represents the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the newly independent states in establishing their own monetary systems. As one of the many state coinages struck before the federal mint was established, the New Jersey coppers played an important role in the everyday commerce of the late 18th century. The Maris 64-t variety is particularly significant among collectors due to its distinctive design elements and relative rarity.
Following the American Revolution, the former colonies faced a severe shortage of small denomination coinage. With little federal oversight over currency at the time, several states took it upon themselves to issue their own copper coinage to facilitate commerce. New Jersey was among the states that authorized the production of copper coins, with a legislative act passed on June 1, 1786. The state’s coinage, produced between 1786 and 1788, included a series of coppers struck at private mints, bearing unique designs and die variations cataloged by numismatist Dr. Edward Maris in his landmark study of New Jersey coppers.
The obverse of the 1787 New Jersey 1/2 Penny Maris 64-t features an iconic horse’s head facing right, with a plow beneath it. This design was inspired by the New Jersey state coat of arms, which symbolized the agrarian economy of the state and the strength of its people. The words "NOVA CÆSAREA" arc above the central device, derived from the Latin name for New Jersey. The horse’s head is well-detailed in this variety, with visible mane strands and a pronounced curvature in the plow beneath it, reflecting the die engraver’s artistic interpretation.
The reverse of the coin displays a bold shield with thirteen horizontal and vertical stripes, representing the thirteen original colonies. The shield is enclosed within the legend "E PLURIBUS UNUM," meaning "Out of many, one." This motto, later adopted for the national seal of the United States, emphasizes the unity of the new nation despite its diverse origins. The shield design is striking in its simplicity, with cleanly defined lines that contrast against the coin’s worn surfaces, even in well-circulated specimens like this XF Details example.
The 1787 New Jersey coppers, including the Maris 64-t variety, were minted by private contractors under the authorization of the state government. Several minting operations were involved in striking these coins, most notably the Rahway, Morristown, and Elizabethtown facilities. Unlike today’s centralized federal minting process, these early coins were struck using manually operated screw presses, leading to slight variations in strike quality and die alignment. The Maris 64-t variety is identified by specific characteristics in the die pairing, including the spacing of the horse’s head and plow, as well as unique reverse shield details.
The estimated mintage for the Maris 64-t variety is uncertain, as no official records exist for specific die pairings. However, New Jersey coppers were struck in significant quantities, with tens of thousands of coins entering circulation between 1786 and 1788. Many of these coins were used extensively in trade, leading to widespread wear and damage over time. Surviving examples of the Maris 64-t variety are relatively scarce in higher grades, making well-preserved specimens highly desirable among early American copper collectors.
The 1787 New Jersey 1/2 Penny Maris 64-t in XF (Extremely Fine) Details condition retains much of its original design detail, though it has some imperfections that prevent it from receiving a full numerical grade. "XF Details" indicates that the coin exhibits the sharpness and definition expected of an XF40-XF45 coin but has been affected by cleaning, damage, or other surface alterations. Despite these imperfections, XF Details coins remain appealing to collectors who seek well-preserved early American coinage at a more accessible price.
The obverse of this XF Details 1787 New Jersey 1/2 Penny shows strong definition in the horse’s head and plow, with clear outlines and minimal wear on the highest points. The inscription "NOVA CÆSAREA" remains fully legible, though some light smoothing or discoloration may be present due to environmental exposure or past handling. The surfaces exhibit minor abrasions consistent with circulation, but the overall detail remains sharp, allowing for easy attribution of the Maris variety.
The reverse shield design retains much of its original depth, with well-defined horizontal and vertical stripes. The motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" remains visible, though slight fading may be evident in certain areas. Wear is most apparent along the highest relief points of the shield, where early coppers typically experience friction loss. Surface issues such as light corrosion or old cleaning marks may be present, but they do not significantly detract from the overall eye appeal of the coin.
The scarcity of problem-free New Jersey coppers from 1787 adds to the desirability of this XF Details example. Many surviving specimens exhibit heavy wear, corrosion, or damage due to their extensive circulation and exposure to the elements. Collectors who seek an affordable yet historically significant piece of colonial coinage often consider XF Details coins as an excellent balance between condition and value.
The 1787 New Jersey 1/2 Penny Maris 64-t is a numismatic artifact that provides a tangible connection to America’s post-Revolutionary War economy. It represents an era when individual states took monetary matters into their own hands, producing coinage that circulated alongside foreign and privately issued tokens. These state coppers played an essential role in everyday transactions, filling the void left by the shortage of official U.S. Mint coinage until federal production became more established in the 1790s.
For collectors, early American state coinage offers an opportunity to explore the diverse designs and regional characteristics of the nation’s first circulating coins. The New Jersey coppers, in particular, are prized for their association with the state’s history and their distinctive designs that reflect local pride. The Maris 64-t variety, with its unique die characteristics, stands out as an important subcategory within this already fascinating series.
The acquisition of an XF Details 1787 New Jersey 1/2 Penny Maris 64-t is a rewarding choice for those who appreciate historical coinage, early American numismatics, and the artistry of 18th-century minting. Whether displayed in a collection, held as an investment, or studied for its die variations, this coin holds immense value. Its detailed design, historical significance, and well-preserved features ensure that it remains a cherished piece among collectors of early U.S. coinage.
The 1787 New Jersey 1/2 Penny Maris 64-t is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the early American states as they sought to establish a stable monetary system. With its classic design, historical importance, and relative scarcity, this coin remains one of the most compelling issues from the era of colonial and state coinage. Collectors who acquire this piece are not only investing in numismatic rarity but also preserving a vital part of American history.