The British 1773 Halfpenny, designed during the reign of King George III, was struck in copper to address coin shortages in Britain and the American colonies. Its design featured the king’s portrait, reinforcing British authority as colonial unrest grew. The British 1773 Halfpenny circulated widely, including in North America, where dissatisfaction with British rule intensified.
That same year, the Tea Act of 1773 sparked resistance, leading to the Boston Tea Party. The British 1773 Halfpenny, made of copper, reflected Britain’s economic policies, as copper was abundant and suited for mass production. Its circulation connected it to the economic tensions fueling the American Revolution.