1783 Nova Constellatio 5 Units - Copper
Strike Type
Coin Details
Description
This is the 1783 Nova Constellatio pattern of 5 units, struck in copper. 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. Stack's traces it from Robert Morris to Josiah Bartlett, who gave it to Samuel Curwen in London in May 1784; it came to light again in Europe in the late 1970s (1977 in Stack's account, 1979 in Wikipedia's). PCGS number 816.
Rarity Notes
unique (Wikipedia)
External References
Error Varieties
No listings found
This category doesn't have any child listings yet.
Other Strike Types in This Series
Collector Essentials
Tools and references for building and protecting your coin collection.
10x-20x Jeweler's Loupe
A must-have for examining coin details, mint marks, and surface quality
Red Book — Guide to U.S. Coins
The essential annual reference for U.S. coin values, history, and mintages
Coin Albums & Storage
Archival-quality albums and holders to protect and display your collection
USB Digital Microscope
Capture detailed images for documentation and community submissions
As an Amazon Associate, NumisDex earns from qualifying purchases.