DATE: October, 1786 

TOWN: London, England 

SOURCE: Gentleman's Magazine

Observing in your last Magazine a representation of a copper, the coin of the renowned Protector, I beg leave to transmit to the public, through the same very entertaining channel, a description of a halfpenny lately struck by the United States of America, which, although of a late date, I presume, be thought no less curious, being the first of the kind I have seen in this kingdom. Considering the principles that actuated the revolt of the English colonies in America, and that which brought about the protectorship in place of a royal government, the representations of the two coins would have been proper companions, had they met on the same plate, but should you favour my halfpenny with a place in your next, I shall esteem it no less fortunate to find them both in the same volume of your repository. 

On one side, encircled within a wreath of LAUREL, exceedingly well executed, are the letters U S in cypher, surrounded with an inscription, LIBERTAS ET JUSTINIA, date, 1785. On the reverse, in the center, is a CONSTELLATION, from which issue THIRTEEN illuminated RAYS, and between each ray is a small STAR, expressive of the THIRTEEN UNITED STATES; round these rays and the stars is the following inscription: NOVA CONSELLATIO. The new American half-penny is in weight as three to two of the English coin. 
The United States, as appears by the inscription on the front of their coin, have erected the standard of liberty and justice. But, from what we have lately heard concerning American politics, I fear, are known only by name throughout that vast, and once flourishing, continent. 

Yours, &c W. B. 

P.S. It is a little remarkable that, contrary to antiquarian principles, and the practice of all other states and kingdoms, the have adopted the vowel in preference to the consonant.