Confederatio Coppers Unique and Patriotic Designs
There are about 8 coins identified as the “Confederatio Coppers” that are of unusual but patriotic designs. The coins were struck at different private mints and designed by different designers. They were designed to be put into circulation but all were struck in such limited quantities that this was not possible.
There is a coin with the legend “Inimica Tyrannis Americana” (America Opposed to Tyranny) on the obverse. This copper coin was reportedly designed from a simple sketch created by Thomas Jefferson. There are eight known specimens that have survived to this day. It was obviously created for an intended American audience. The obverse has a depiction of Liberty with a bow and arrows with “INIMICA TYRRANIS AMERICANA” around the periphery. The reverse has 13 six-pointed stars in the center, surrounded by rays. Around the reverse periphery is “CONFEDERATIO 1785.”
A second, similar coin was struck, but with the word “America” instead of “Americana” on the obverse. The reverse design has smaller stars than displayed on the ‘America’ version.
It was very likely created by the same designer. Again, who commissioned these coins is unknown. Of the few (5 to 6) examples known, most show signs of circulation.
(An Inimica Tyrannis America Copper, Obverse [left], Reverse [right].)
The General Washington Confederatio copper is another rare item with only 6 known examples in all grades. The obverse has a bust of General George Washington. Unlike those coppers, contemporary to this time period, that was struck in England, this piece has great detail of Washington leading experts to believe that these coins were struck in America. The English pieces of Washington tend to be fairly crude.
The obverse has a bust of Washington, facing right. Around the bust at the periphery is “GEN. WASHINGTON .” The reverse has 13 six-pointed stars inside of a small circle. The outer perimeter of the circle has rays emanating from it. Around the periphery of the copper is “CONFEDERATIO . 1785 .”
(The Rare and Highly Desirable General Washington Confederatio Copper, Obverse [left], Reverse [right].)
There is a second George Washington piece, a Pattern with a Shield, reminiscent of New Jersey copper coins, with the legend “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (One out of Many) on the reverse. There are only 3 pieces known to exist.
The Eagle Confederatio Copper is an important coin in this series. It is also unusual in that it bears dual dates – one on each side. The obverse depicts a heraldic style American eagle, wings outstretched, beak wide open, with 13 six-pointed stars above, an olive branch in her left talon and arrows in her right. Her body is a Union shield. Around the periphery is “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and at the bottom is the date “1786.”
The reverse displays the typical Confederatio Large Circle design with 13 six-pointed stars, inside a large circle, rays emanating around the circle, with “CONFEDERATIO – 1785.”
Walter Breen believed that this Heraldic Eagle design was likely the work of American engraver Walter Mould based on the punches used in some of the letterings.
The fact that some of the Confederation reverse designs have been “muled” with several varieties of New Jersey copper cents lays further claim to the fact that these coins were designed and struck in America rather than in England as some have speculated.
Only two examples of this rare and historic coin are known to exist.
(The rare dual-dated Heraldic Eagle Confederatio copper, Obverse [left], Reverse [right].)
The Immunis Columbia Confederatio Pattern Copper coin was struck by James Atlee, of New York, and it was supposed to be presented to the American Congress to be considered as a proposed national coinage. However, these coins were too late for the Federal Coinage competition, as it was awarded to James Jarvis for his Benjamin Franklin-inspired Fugio Cent in 1787.
Only three coins of this type are known to exist.
Approximately 25 examples of the Immunis Columbia have survived making it one of the more common pattern coins of the era. But all are exceedingly rare and expensive. The obverse depicts Liberty, seated on a globe, holding a pole with Liberty Cap atop it, facing right. In her outstretched left hand are the scales of justice. The legend around the periphery reads “IMMUNIS COLUMBIA . 1786” which translates from Latin into “Free from Tribute (Taxation) in the land of Columbus” – or “America, Free from Tribute (to England)”.
The reverse has an American Shield and the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
The last major variety is not pictured. It is another George Washington piece. This is a 1786 dated Confederatio copper. The obverse displays that same bust of George Washington on the two prior pieces but on the coin, the reverse is dated 1786 and there is a large circle containing the 13 six-pointed stars. Around the periphery are “CONFEDERATIO” and “1786.” There are only 7 known specimens.
| Date | Type | Mintage | VG Value | AU Value |
| 1785 | Inimica Tyrannis Americana | 8 | $30,000 | $225,000 |
| 1785 | Inimica Tyrannis America | 6 | $40,000 | $230,000 |
| 1785 | General Washington, Large Stars Rev | 6 | $50,000 | $350,000 |
| 1785 | General Washington, Shield Rev | 3 | $70,000 | $325,000 |
| 1785/86 | Eagle Obv/Shield Rev | 2 | $60,000 | $425,000 |
| 1786 | Immunis Columbia Shield | 3 | $65,000 | $450,000 |
| 1786 | Immunis Columbia/Shield | 20 | $25,000 | $95,000 |
| 1786 | General George Washington Confed | 7 | $80,000 | $200,000 |
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