United States of America 1788 Philadelphia Post-1776 Private and Regional Issues 1/2¢

Coin / United States of America / 1788 / Philadelphia / Post-1776 Private and Regional Issues / 1/2¢ (Half Cent)

The coin in question is a 1/2¢ piece minted in 1788, representing a significant part of the Post-1776 Private and Regional Issues series from the United States. This particular coin was struck at the Philadelphia mint, a notable facility in American numismatic history. Despite its historical significance, there is a perplexing lack of detailed specifications, as several properties such as width, height, diameter, and weight are marked as "0.00000000," suggesting that precise measurements are not available or that the coin may not fit standard dimensions. Additionally, it carries no mint mark and has been classified under the broad category of "Other" materials, indicating that its composition could vary from typical metals used in coinage, possibly hinting at a non-standard or even experimental type of coin. With a mintage noted as "0", it raises questions about its circulation or production status—this could imply that while it was designed or planned, it might not have been actually produced in quantity, thus making it potentially rare or collectible. As a half cent coin from the period immediately following American independence, this piece carries historical weight, representing the early days of coinage in the United States. Its nominal value stands at just 0.005 USD, but its importance in numismatic circles could far exceed its face value, especially if it exists as a unique or limited example. Collectors and enthusiasts of American currency and early numismatic history would have a particular interest in this piece, not only for its age but also for its connection to the nascent years of the United States' monetary system.