Nova Constellatio Coins

About This Coin

Bearing the Latin inscription NOVA CONSTELLATIO ("New Constellation"), these copper coins of 1783-1785 are among the most important early American issues, representing a tangible expression of the new nation's aspiration to create its own monetary identity. The obverse features a radiating eye of providence surrounded by thirteen stars — one for each original state — while the reverse displays the denomination and the inscription LIBERTAS JUSTITIA. Produced in copper with a 28 mm diameter and plain edge, Nova Constellatio coins circulated alongside the chaotic mix of foreign coins, state coppers, and privately issued tokens that served American commerce during the Confederation period. The coins are closely connected to Gouverneur Morris's proposed decimal monetary system, which envisioned a rational coinage structure based on units of 5, 100, 500, and 1000 — a scheme that influenced Thomas Jefferson's subsequent dollar-and-cents system adopted in 1792. The distinction between the copper circulation pieces and the extremely rare silver pattern denominations (Quint, Bit, and Mark) is critical: the copper pieces were produced in commercial quantities, while the silver patterns are among the greatest American numismatic rarities. Within the Post-1776 Private and Regional Issues (1778-1820) series, Nova Constellatio coins provide an essential link between the idealistic monetary proposals of the Confederation era and the functioning coinage system established by the Mint Act of 1792.