1783 Nova Constellatio …Cool and Rare!

Oct 5, 2014
31,886
35,428
Massachusetts
🥇 Banner finds
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🏆 Honorable Mentions:
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Detector(s) used
Garrett: AT Pro, AT Gold & Infinium; Minelab: Explorer SE, II; Simplex; Tesoro: Tejon & Outlaw; White's: V3i
Primary Interest:
Relic Hunting
Hello Everyone,

I had a fantastic day at a new permission farm field in central RI. The crop was just harvested and the field was “ripe” for a bit of detecting. I was gridding north/south on the property using the Garrett AT Pro in Pro-Zero, full sensitivity and zero discrimination. On the first few passes two nice old (Barber and Seated) dimes found my coil, definitely a good start! Upon the 3 and 4 pass an Indian cent, wheat cent and Mercury dime found the coil. BUT on the 6th pass a strong/solid tone alerted me as I casually looked down for the VID number, it was 81. So, I thought cool another silver dime. I dug a 6 inch scoop of farm dirt and much to my surprise, out popped what I thought was a common large cent. I removed a soft tooth brush from my finds pouch and began to very gently brush away the years of dirt only to realize it was a fantastic find. I placed it on the mound of dirt and took a “after dig/clean” photo. I could not believe my eyes a Nova Constellatio copper! I carefully wrapped the precious treasure and placed it a secure plastic case. The rest of the day was a total dream…I did find a few relics and old coins, but I could not stop thinking (what year? What type? Is it rare?...etc.).

Upon arriving home, I continued cleaning with a soft tooth brush and nothing else; as of this penning have done nothing further to the coin. The cleaning slowly uncovered a year of 1783 and according to Colonial and Early American Coins, David Bowers: a type of Crosby 2-B Pointed Rays – Small US, Rarity: USR-11.

I am still “jumping for joy” over this very cool rare coin find and hope to get back to this field in the near future.

Thank you for looking.

GL & HH

Doc

NOVA 1.jpg NOVA 2.jpg NOVA 3.jpg

NOVA 4.jpg Colonial Book 1.jpg
 

Upvote 70
First you find a cob and now you find a Nova Constellatio in Rhode Island. That's it, you're officially banned! Don't even think about setting foot in this state again! LOL!

Guess I am not going to the right places but gives me hope for cool RI finds ;). Congratulations, Professor on lots of great finds! When I find something that I can't wait to see I want to 1.Stay and find more...and 2.'Run home and clean it to know what it is...
 

All I can say is wow and congrats!
 

Oooh yeah buddy! That’s a really great coin to add to the list of tough bucket listers. Great job
 

Great Looking Nova! Congrats...........Hogge
 

She's a beauty, Doc! Congrats. -Lisa & John
 

Thanks Ahab8! :occasion14:
 

I remember my first Nova coin, found it in Greene RI.. Awesome Coin man! Probably once in a lifetime find.. Congrats[emoji106]
 

Since I will probably never dig up a Nova Constellation, I would love to see a picture of the SEATED, BARBER, AND MERCURY DIMES, which by the way is a TRIFECTA, and doesn't happen too often. Congratulations and I'm going Banner.
 

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Thank you Against the Wind...I will post a photo of the last two hunts at that location; lots of coins and relics!
 

Finds like that are the best. Especially when they are eating a hole in your pocket and you know know you have something amazing. I love that excitement. Congratulations on sure a rare beautiful coin!!!!
 

WooHoo a Nova Constellatio! Seriously the most beautiful coin made in this country. I'd love to just see one in person. Major congratulations!
Actually made in England, but definitely an interesting and fun coin to find. They circulated along side the state coppers and counterfeit British coppers in the early days of our country. While not too uncommon as early coppers go, they are a very interesting part of our early numismatic history. Congratulations!
 

Old Coins with 1783 Nove Constellatio

Here you go "Against the Wind" some of the coins found in two trips to Central RI. I will start another thread with all of the coins and relics.

NOVA plus Coins.jpg
 

That is a truly amazing find, Professor of Engineering! The other coins are very cool as well. Nice digs.
 

I love the look of the novas. Beautiful design. Congrats!
 

Yup...another banner vote.
 

Well done Doc, that Nova is on most others bucket list. I wish I was there when you dug it and noticed what you had. I hope you had the ceremonial happy dance not to mention the perma-smile that you are still enjoying.
 

That is an amazing coin! I wouldn't clean it much. Congrats!! Dream find for me
 

Way to go Doc! I love your description of your hunt...felt like I was right there with you. Congratulations on a very noteworthy find!
 

Congrats, she looks like a heart thumper! Way to go Doc!
 

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