New Jersey Colonial Coppers: Coins Struck in Your Backyard

The Garden State's Copper Legacy

New Jersey authorized copper cent production on June 1, 1786, becoming one of the first states to issue post-colonial coinage. The authorization ran through November 1788, though actual production ceased earlier. These coppers circulated throughout the region, including here in Morris County, where merchants and farmers relied on them for daily commerce.

Edward Maris catalogued the New Jersey copper series in his 1881 reference work. His numbering system remains the standard today. The Maris numbers track obverse and reverse die combinations, with some varieties commanding significant collector interest while others remain reasonably obtainable.

The Horse Head Varieties

Most New Jersey coppers feature a horse's head above a plow on the obverse. The horse faces left on early dies, right on later ones. This simple difference creates major collecting categories. Horse head left varieties tend to be scarcer, as these dies were used first and for shorter periods.

The horse's appearance varies considerably between dies. Some show clear equine features while others resemble serpents more than horses. Die wear and deliberate modifications account for much of this variation. Collectors often focus on specific die states or seek examples showing the progression of die deterioration.

Shield Types and Reverses

The reverse displays the United States shield with the legend E PLURIBUS UNUM. Early reverses show detailed shield lines, later ones feature outline shields only. The shield detail degrades predictably as dies wore down from repeated striking.

Several reverse varieties exist within the outline shield group. Some show clear separation between shield sections, others appear nearly smooth. Die cracks and breaks add further variety to late die state examples.

New Jersey Mint Operations

Walter Mould, Albion Cox, and others held the coining contract. Operations likely occurred in Rahway and Morristown, both within reasonable distance of major population centers. The Morristown connection is particularly interesting given that town's role during the Revolutionary War.

Production quality varies significantly. Early strikes from fresh dies show sharp detail and proper planhet preparation. Later production, possibly under different management, shows less care in manufacture. This variation creates collecting opportunities across multiple price points.

The coppers ceased production when Congress moved toward federal coinage standards. Most surviving examples show circulation wear appropriate to their intended use as small change in the growing American economy.

Madison Rare Coins regularly handles New Jersey coppers from the Maris series. If you've discovered one of these historic pieces from the Garden State's early coinage, call us at 973-378-1690 or visit us at 13 West Main St in Mendham.