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Pictured above is a 1785 Nova Constellatio (hereafter NC) copper, with pointed rays and a large date, graded AU 53 by PCGS, and carrying the Crosby 3-B designation. Although they share the same name, meaning 'New Constellation" in Latin, these coppers are not to be confused with the NC pattern pieces, which have their own interesting story to tell: These patterns, produced in very limited numbers, and mostly in silver, were the first experimental national coinage. They were the brainchild of Robert Morris, the brilliant Superintendent of Finance during the Confederation Period, who attempted thereby to reconcile the diverse monetary systems of the 13 states. He envisioned a series of coins based upon a 1,000 unit decimal system with fractional parts, and displaying the particular denominations on the coins' reverse. It would feature a silver 1,000 unit piece called a "mark"; a silver 500 unit "quint"; a silver 100 unit "bit"; and a 5 unit copper piece. The ambitious project, whose coins were all dated 1783, was never implemented, however the design of the patterns served as a model for the later privately made copper issues bearing the dates 1783 and 1785, and featuring on the obverse the all-seeing eye of Providence from which emanated rays surrounded by 13 stars and the peripheral legend NC. The reverse displayed "US" in blocked or stylized lettering within a closed wreath, with Libertas Justitia or Libertas Et Justitia (Liberty and Justice) and the date along the periphery.
The NC coppers all have plain edges, and come in 5 different types: 1783 pointed rays with small reverse US; 1783 pointed rays with large reverse US; 1783 with blunted rays; 1785 pointed rays (large date); and 1785 blunted rays. A few specimens dated 1786 exist. They are probably contemporary counterfeits made at the Machin Mills facility, known for its inferior workmanship.
The NCs are believed to have been manufactured at the Wyon Mint in Birmingham, England for circulation in New York. They were ordered by the firm of Constable, Rucker, & Co. in large numbers. The objective was to import cheap lightweight coppers that could be distributed at a handsome profit. The dire need for small change ensured their acceptance in commerce, which accounts for the substantial wear found on most examples. Eventually, other state coppers in circulation, particularly Connecticuts, exceeded the weight of the NC coppers, that became even flimsier over time. This resulted in their falling out of favor, devaluation, and even legal restrictions on their use. Ultimately, large numbers of NCs were used as planchets for overstrikes of Connecticut, New Jersey, and Vermont coppers.
Among the continuing debates pertaining to these coins are: When were they struck? Eric Newman believed none were struck earlier than 1785, even though many are dated 1783. Perhaps the use of the date 1783 was simply a copying from the NC patterns. What side is the obverse? Although Walter Breen disagreed, the consensus is that the side with the all-seeing eye is the obverse. Finally, although these coppers have traditionally been known as NC, there is some scholarly research that suggests that they should be called Constellatio Nova.
Some NCs were muled with Immunis Columbia dies.