Colonial New Jersey Penny 1787 Small Planchet Plain Shield VF30 BN NGC

The 1787 New Jersey Copper is one of the most important circulating coinages issued by the American states under the Articles of Confederation prior to the adoption of the United States Constitution. Authorized by the State of New Jersey, these copper coins helped alleviate the shortage of small change that plagued commerce in the years immediately following the American Revolution. Their production represents an important chapter in the development of an independent American monetary system.

This example is attributed as a Small Planchet Plain Shield variety. The obverse features a horse head above a plow, symbols closely associated with New Jersey's agricultural heritage, surrounded by the Latin motto "NOVA CAESAREA," meaning "New Jersey." The reverse displays a shield motif inspired by the Great Seal of the state. Numerous die varieties exist within the series, making New Jersey coppers a fascinating specialty for colonial coin collectors.