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1783 Nova Constellatio 100 Units (Bit) - Decorated Edge

Strike Type
1783 Nova Constellatio 100 Units (Bit) - Decorated Edge

Coin Details

Year
1783
Denomination
Colonials
Strike Type
Regular Strike
Series
Proposed National Issues (1776-1787)
Designer
Possibly Benjamin Dudley or Robert Birch under direction of Gouverneur Morris
Composition
Silver
Diameter
20mm
Edge
Plain

Description

A 1783 Nova Constellatio silver pattern representing 100 units (called a "Bit") in the proposed decimal coinage system, with a decorated edge. These silver patterns were designed under the direction of Gouverneur Morris as part of a proposal for a national decimal coinage system. The 100-unit denomination was intended to be the basic unit of account. The decorated edge distinguishes this from the plain edge variety.

Rarity Notes

Unique or nearly so. One of the great American numismatic rarities.

Cross References

Crosby pattern; Whitman 1750

External References

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