Nova Constellatio Coppers
The Various Nova Constellatio Coppers

Among the various pre-Copper Federal Coinages, the Nova Constellatio varieties of 1783, 1785, and 1786 are some of the most frequently encountered and popularly collected. Although numerous texts have been written that illustrate the known 12 varieties, unfortunately no simple attribution guide has been encountered to date that succinctly and quickly provides collectors with a simple way to attribute. The below guide provides this.

Overall, the design of the coppers are modeled after the Nova Constellatio pattern series; all consist of the following devices and mottos:

Obverse

Motto: NOVA CONSTELLATIO (or CONSTELATIO) (Latin: New Constellation) Devices: Eye in center, surrounded by rays extending outward from center, with 13 (12) stars positioned alternatively between rays. Dentils.

Reverse

Motto: LIBERTAS ET JUSTITIA (Latin: Liberty and Justice), Date Devices: U.S. in center, in either block or script lettering, with wreath surrounding.

Pictured are three sample varieties. These have been selected so that readers may refer to them while attributing their specimens.

The first specimen below is the Crosby 1-A 1783. Note evidence of clashed dies on the upper right quadrant of the obverse. Also note the ray which points to just below the first “O” in “CONSTELLATIO”. The rays on this particular obverse are known as “Pointed” rays. On the reverse of the specimen, note that there are 24 pairs of leaves contained in the wreath.

1783 Nova Constellatio Crosby 1-A Clashed Die Libertas Justitia

The second specimen below is the Crosby 1-B 1785. Note the difference in ray styles. This particular style is known as “Blunt” rays, and being able to recognize the difference in the two styles will be useful when performing attribution steps.

1785 Nova Constelatio Crosby 1-B Libertas Et Justitia

The third specimen pictured below is the Crosby 3-B. On the reverse of the specimen, note that there are 30 pairs of leaves contained in the wreath. In the steps below, knowing the number of leaf-pairs may be necessary to ascertain variety type.

1785 Nova Constellatio Crosby 3-B Libertas Et Justitia

Table of Varieties

The following table outlines the key diagnostics and Sheldon-Scale Rarities for each of the 12 varieties.

Table List of Nova Constellatio Varieties

Attribution Instructions

The following steps may be followed to attribute a Nova Constellatio:

  1. Is the date 1783, 1785, or 1786? If 1783, go to Step 2. If 1785, go to Step 4. If 1786, it is a Crosby 1-A Machin’s Mills.
  2. Is the word CONSTELLATIO spelled with two “L’s” or one “L?” If it is spelled with one “L”, it is a Crosby 3-C. Otherwise, go to Step 3.
  3. Does the ray in proximity to the letters “C-O” point clearly in between the two letters or does it point to just slightly left-of-center and below the “O?” If clearly in between the two letters, it is a Crosby 2-B. If just slightly left-of-center and below the “O”, it is a Crosby 1-A.
  4. Does either side of the specimen have the word “CONFEDERATIO”? If yes, it is a Muling. If no, go to Step 5.
  5. On the reverse of the specimen, count how many pairs of leaves are in the wreath. If there are 29 pairs of leaves, it is a Crosby 4-D. If there are 26 pairs of leaves, it is a Crosby 5-E. If there are 23 pairs of leaves, it is the Crosby-Unlisted. Otherwise, if there are 30 leaves, go to Step 6.
  6. On the obverse of the specimen, starting from the center, do the rays extend outwards, tapering to points, or do they extend outwards, growing wider and end bluntly? If they end bluntly, it is a Crosby 1-B. Otherwise go to Step 7.
  7. Does a ray terminate very closely to the bottom of the letter “I?” If yes, it is a Crosby 3-B. Otherwise, go to Step 8.
  8. Does a ray terminate very closely to the bottom center of the letter “O” in NOVA? If yes, it is a Crosby 4-C. If no, it is a Crosby 2-A.

Aaron Packard [End Mark]


Notes and Sources

  1. Whitman Encyclopedia of Colonial and Early American Coins, Q. David Bowers, Whitman Publishing, ©2008
  2. Walter Breen’s Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins, Walter Breen, Doubleday, ©1988
  3. Early Coins of America, Sylvester S. Crosby, 1875
Aaron Packard
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28 Comments

  1. Awesome tool. I am putting together a variety set of nova’s.

    1. I found one of those coins but it got copy stamped on it

      1. Author

        Hi Maurice –

        If there is “COPY” struck on your Nova Constellatio specimen, it’s more than likely that it is indeed a copy. In compliance with the United States Hobby Protection Act, replica coins and tokens must have COPY struck on them to ensure their lawfulness.

        Hope this provides context to your inquiry.

        Thanks,

        Aaron Packard

  2. I found a 1783 nova copper while metal detecting in rhoad Island. what is the value of this during its time.

    1. Author

      Hi Michael –

      I would need to see photographs of both sides of the specimen before I could estimate its value.

      Thanks,

      Aaron Packard

    1. Author

      Hi Dodge –

      Yes, you have a Crosby 3-B. Thanks for sharing!

      Aaron Packard

      1. I found a Nova coin but it’s not one that in your photos. Under US is 1000. It also is not stamped with the word ‘copy’ anywhere.

        1. Hi Michelle. Do you still have the coin? Is it for sale? Can you get a better pic of the date? Don

    2. Hi. Do you still have the coin? Is it for sale? Can you get a better pic of the date? Don

    3. Hi Dodge. Do you still have the coin? Is it for sale? Can you get a better pic of the date? Don

  4. I found a 1786 Nova in a box of nuts and bolts, graded by NGC as fine, environmental damage. I have been watching the auctions to see what a value might be but no luck. Any idea? Thanks.

      1. Greetings Mike,
        My name is Alan and to keep a short story even shorter, I made an accidental purchase at an estate sale three days ago. Today is Tuesday, September 26, 2023. I ran across this site and noticed you have information/your email address, regarding interest in a: 1783 Nova Constellatio, 1000 Mark/Unit coin.
        There crazily enough, was one in approximately 75-coins being squirreled by a collector that apparently didn’t let others know where he had stashed them!
        So, Mike, if this email is still valid, and you have any interest in a few photographs of Send Coyne, please send an email back, and I will respond accordingly.
        Sincerely, Alan.

  5. I have a silver ‘Nova Constellatio’ that is 1000 unit coin. Cannot find any info on this coin and the local coins experts response to seeing it have been curious. One very well known expert sent me away and said he does ‘not deal in that kind of material’. Maybe you could help shed some light on my extremely (rare)?? specimen? I would like to send you a picture. Thank you.

    1. Author

      Danny – please send me a photo of both sides of the specimen at the email address found in the Contact section of this site. Please ensure they are relatively sharp photos.

  6. I have a nova coin in my collection, it is pretty worn but I am sure its authentic and would like an expert to look at it. thank you

    1. Shoot me scans and Ill take a look.

  7. Found a 1000 Unit Nova that says 1783. It’s pretty worn but I am sure it’s authentic. However, I’ll need an expert to take a look at it.

    1. Author

      Hi Jay –

      Please feel free to send me an email with clear photos of your specimen attached. Both sides. I will be glad to diagnose and assess it to determine the likelihood of its authenticity. You can find my email address in the contact section of this site.

      Thanks, kindly

      Aaron Packard

  8. I found a 1783 Nova coin recently. I’m not sure if it’s authentic but I would like to have someone take a look at it. Any recommendations?

    1. Author

      Hi Jay –

      You are welcome to send me photos of the specimen and I will attempt to diagnose it for you to determine the likelihood of its authenticity. My email address is in the contact section of this site. Please be sure to get as clear as possible photos of both sides of the specimen (obverse and reverse.)

      Thanks,

      Aaron Packard

      1. 1783 nova constellatlo justitia libertas us 1000 not a copy thanks Donnie

  9. Hi Aaron, I am attempting to find the closest description of this coin as many descriptions fit, and then others don’t….making me suspicious. Please help me, I am attempting to help an employee determine worth and/or whether it is worth sending in to have appraised? Thank you so much!

    1. Author

      Hi Edwin –

      Thanks for reaching out. Please go to the ‘contact’ section of the site and send an email with any questions you may have.

      Thanks, kindly

      A. Packard

  11. Hi I believe that I have a Nova Constellatio similar to the Crosby 3-B shown in your article. I found it in a lot of foreign coins. There is no date. Is this genuine ?

    1. Author

      Hi Tom –

      Please feel free to reach out via the ‘contact’ page with any questions regarding your specimen.

      Thanks, kindly

      A. Packard

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