1783 Nova Constellatio 100 Units (Bit) - Decorated Edge

Coin Details

Description

Listed in the Crosby pattern catalog and as Whitman 1750, this 1783 Nova Constellatio silver pattern for 100 units (a "Bit") with decorated edge represents one of the supreme rarities in American numismatics — unique or nearly so. The denomination was part of Gouverneur Morris's proposed decimal coinage system, presented to Congress as a rational framework for national currency to replace the bewildering array of foreign coins and state issues then circulating. The 100-unit Bit served as the proposed basic unit of account, with larger denominations of 500 units (Quint) and 1000 units (Mark) completing the silver coin hierarchy. The decorated edge — featuring an ornamental pattern impressed into the planchet's edge — distinguishes this from the plain edge variety (Whitman 1755) and may represent a more finished or presentation-quality production. The obverse displays the eye of providence within a glory of thirteen stars and rays, with NOVA CONSTELLATIO ("New Constellation"), while the reverse shows the denomination and date. One of the great American numismatic rarities, the decorated edge Bit documents the specific moment when America's monetary architecture was being conceived — Morris's decimal framework, though not adopted in its exact form, directly influenced Thomas Jefferson's refined proposal that established the dollar-cent system codified in the Coinage Act of 1792. The physical survival of this pattern preserves the tangible evidence of that foundational monetary debate.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Crosby pattern; Whitman 1750