1783 Nova Constellatio 100 Units (Bit) - Plain Edge

Coin Details

Description

Listed in the Crosby pattern catalog and as Whitman 1755, this 1783 Nova Constellatio silver pattern for 100 units — designated a "Bit" — with plain edge represents one of the most ambitious early attempts at American decimal coinage. Gouverneur Morris, the prominent Founding Father and financial administrator, proposed this decimal monetary system to the Continental Congress as a rational alternative to the chaotic mix of British, Spanish, and French currency then circulating in the states. The 100-unit Bit was conceived as the smallest silver coin in the proposed series, which also included denominations of 500 units (a Quint) and 1000 units (a Mark). The obverse features a radiant eye of providence surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original states, with the legend NOVA CONSTELLATIO ("New Constellation"), while the reverse displays the denomination and date. The plain edge variant may represent a different stage of the pattern production process compared to the decorated edge type cataloged separately as Whitman 1750. Unique or nearly so, this piece ranks among the great American numismatic rarities, with its significance extending beyond its extreme rarity to its role in documenting the intellectual framework of the nation's monetary founding — Morris's decimal system concept directly influenced Thomas Jefferson's subsequent proposal that ultimately became the basis for American currency.

Rarity Notes

Unique or nearly so. Extremely rare pattern coin.

Cross References

Crosby pattern; Whitman 1755