1788 VT 1/2P ET LIB INDE, BN (Regular Strike)

P. Scott Rubin: The 1788 Vermont Copper with Bust Facing Right and the reverse Reading “ET LIB INDE” is a rare type known by two varieties using the same reverse die. The first of these is known as RR-18 and Bressett 19-X -- it is a rare issue and on some specimens a long die break is evident on the obverse, which probably caused the untimely failure of the die. The second use of the reverse die is known as RR-35 and Bressett 20-X - it is an extremely rare variety with only twelve specimens currently known. The reverse die was used following its use on RR-18; we know this because a larger die break is seen on the reverse die when used as RR-35.

Many of the known specimens of the 1788 Vermont “ET LIB INDE” Copper are struck over Irish Halfpennnies. It is believed that this variety was a product of Machin’s Mill, because of the star element used on the reverse.