Connecticut Coppers were one of many state-minted coins released after the Revolutionary War. By the 1780s, the government made it illegal to use foreign currency (Spanish Colonial Reals, British Pounds, etc.) for everyday transactions. Connecticut, along with other former colonies, issued new coinage under the Coppers Act of 1785.

Samuel Bishop, Joseph Hopkins, James Hillhouse, and John Goodrich were granted the rights to produce coins with a man’s silhouette on one side and “an Emblem of Liberty” on the other. Although this design was standard for state-issued coinage, researchers have noted that state currencies made slight variations to Liberty’s headwear, dress and shield. Connecticut coppers, for example, were distinct for the grapevines added to Liberty’s shield- a nod to Connecticut’s state seal adopted in 1711.

Learn more about Connecticut Coppers on C.A.R.T. Archaeology’s Blog

Sources:

More Coins in Archaeology

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