1783 Nova Constellatio 100 Units (Bit) - Decorated Edge
Strike Type
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Description
This is the 1783 Nova Constellatio pattern of 100 units, the bit, with a decorated edge. In January 1782 Superintendent of Finance Robert Morris put before Congress a decimal coinage worked out by Gouverneur Morris, built on a unit equal to a quarter grain of silver. Benjamin Dudley prepared the mint and the dies were finished in Philadelphia early in 1783; on April 22 Dudley delivered several pieces as patterns, and Morris laid them before Congress. The coins show an eye in a glory within thirteen stars and NOVA CONSTELLATIO, and U.S. with the value in units inside a wreath with LIBERTAS JUSTITIA 1783. Congress never adopted the plan. Morris's plan called the 100-unit coin a cent, or bit, of 25 grains of fine silver; three bits are known (Stack's), one with a plain edge and one with an engraved edge (Wikipedia). PCGS number 819.
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