Higley Coppers: The Talking Coins of Connecticut

Higley Coppers are among the most fascinating and historically significant coins in early American numismatics. These coins were struck in Connecticut in the mid-1700s, long before the U.S. Mint was established. Their rarity, unique design, and ties to the early colonial era make them a prized possession for collectors. What sets them apart is not only their age but also their distinct design featuring the phrase “HE WHO TRANSGRESSES WILL BE BOUND,” which gives them the nickname “the talking coins of Connecticut.”

The Origins of Higley Coppers

The story of Higley Coppers begins in Connecticut during the 1730s and 1740s when the colonies were facing a shortage of coins for everyday transactions. Like many other colonies, Connecticut struggled with a lack of sufficient currency, and merchants were often forced to barter or use foreign coins for trade. In response to this issue, a man named Samuel Higley, a wealthy ironmaster from Simsbury, Connecticut, took matters into his own hands.

In the mid-1700s, Higley decided to mint his own copper coins to help address the shortage. These coins were not official currency, but they were intended to circulate among the local population as a form of trade. Higley obtained permission from the Connecticut colonial authorities to strike these coins, making them one of the first locally produced currencies in America.

The Unique Design of Higley Coppers

The design of Higley Coppers is a testament to the political and social climate of the time. The obverse features an engraving of a man’s bust, often described as Samuel Higley himself, though this has not been definitively proven. The reverse features the Latin inscription, “HE WHO TRANSGRESSES WILL BE BOUND,” a statement that has intrigued collectors and historians for centuries. This phrase appears to convey a sense of moral or legal authority, suggesting that transgressions, perhaps against the coin’s usage or even society’s rules, would be punishable.

The coins were struck in a time when the colonies had little authority to produce their own legal tender, and the inscription may have symbolized both a moral warning and a statement of power. Additionally, the phrase has been interpreted as reflecting the growing tensions between the colonies and the British crown, with the possibility of the coin serving as a symbol of rebellion or independence.

The Types of Higley Coppers

There are two main types of Higley Coppers: the “NE” variety and the “CONNECTICUT” variety. Both coins are similar in appearance, but they feature different inscriptions on the reverse. The “NE” variety is one of the earliest versions and features a crude representation of the state of New England (NE), while the “CONNECTICUT” variety more explicitly identifies the coin’s origin as the state of Connecticut.

The Legacy of Higley Coppers

Higley Coppers were never officially accepted as currency, but they hold a special place in American numismatic history. Their significance goes beyond their monetary value. They serve as a reminder of the economic challenges faced by the early American colonies and reflect the growing desire for independence and self-sufficiency.

Conclusion

Higley Coppers remain one of the most intriguing and valuable coins in early American numismatics. Known as the “talking coins of Connecticut,” these coins offer a rare glimpse into a time when the colonies were forging their own identities, not just politically, but economically as well. Today, Higley Coppers continue to be a symbol of the fledgling spirit of independence that would eventually lead to the formation of the United States of America. Their rarity and historical significance ensure they will always be treasured by collectors for generations to come.

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