What did I find?

[bruce01364]

That is what I asked myself when I pulled it out of the ground. Was it a token or coin? Had to do some research because I do not know much about early coins or tokens.
First are some pics of it as first found. Then pics of it after cleaning. After cleaning I had a positive ID. (even though it is not in good shape) Then pics of what it was like when first minted.

It is a 1783 Nova Constellatio. One of the first coins authorized by congress. One benefit of metal detecting is that I learn a lot about american history.

Just wondering how many of you would have known what it was if you had dug it up?

 

[bottlebum]

OMG! Awesome find
Please, tell us more.......

 

[jbow]

n/t

 

[Neil]

Thats a super find Bruce. Any idea what the denomination of the coin is?

I never saw one like it.....well done!

HH
Neil

 

[bruce01364]

This area of MA has a lot of old, rough roads. Fortunately, Shoie was my hunting partner that day and he has 4 wheel drive.
The coin had silver patterns denominated as 1000, 500 and 100 "units" as well as a copper 5 "units". I haven't found out yet what a unit was worth. It is the size of a large cent, so maybe 5 units was worth a penny. The silver coins were never circulated. One site says that the coppers were made in England and sent to N.Y. In 1783 they must have only circulated in the east. Not sure how long they were in use.
I haven't been able to find out how many were minted but my coin book says they are worth $20 in good condition. If that is all they are worth then there must have been quite a few. I would think such an early and historic coin would be worth more. But hey, it is a nice find for me and I doubt I will find another.
Thanks for looking.

 

[mattockman]

Yeah, No kidding you would think they would be worth more.....Not good huh......That is the first I have ever seen of one....I would think it was a rare thing....Oh well I think it is an awsome find!!!!!! Congrats!

 

[bruce01364]

I didn't realize it at first but the all seeing eye on the coin is also represented on the one dollar bill. The eye above the pyramid on the back. Is it a mason symbol??
If anyone can tell me more about the Nova Constellatio coin please let me know.
Thanks.

 

[Silverstar_Lawman]

The symbol is called the Eye of Providence or the all-seeing eye. And it was not placed on the dollar or the coin by masons. As a mason myself thats all I can say. Here is a link on the coin you might like http://www.coins.nd.edu/ColCoin/ColCoinIntros/NovaPatterns.intro.html. Great find on the coin what a piece of history.