Hello Folks. I have a connecticut cent that shows signs of being overstruck on another coin. The reverse shows the wording NOVA above the ET in the normal legend.As this coin was struck off centre I am guessing that the date is 1780. I would grade the coin VG but as they were probably weaker strikes it may scrape to being a fine. Does anyone know what the coin is that it was struck on and possible value. Thanks for any help. P.S. I know its hard to put a value on a scan of a coin, but rough estimates would do.
There are a number of "Nova Constellatio" Copper pieces that are dated 1783 or 1785. They range in value from US$50 in Good condition to US$4000+ in uncirculated condition. The coin you have is known as the "Mailed Bust Facing Left" design and is dated 1788. It has a value of about US$40 in Good to US$2000 in AU. Now I have no idea if the fact that the understrike of the coin is still identifiable changes the values at all. I suppose some would value it more for its interesting history and others would value it less because the design is interferred with by another design. Nice coin, though! Thanks for sharing
I'm originally from Connecticut, so I have an attraction to these, in a small way. I have to read up on them more to see who used them (if anyone, heh) and why.
I would suggest weighing the coin and measuring it's diameter, then compare that with the known weights and diameters of all of the known Nova Caesarea coppers, Nova Constellatio coopers, Nova Constellatio patterns and the Nova Eborac coinage for New York. Once you have a list of exact or close possible matches, then try to identify other features of the coin that was overstruck with the Connecticut copper with a magnifying glass, Gem loupe or Microscope. You could also find an expert on Colonial coinage and send the coin to them for examination. Although in it's condition, the coin by itself does not have a high value! However, if it is determined, authenticated and certified that it is was struck over a much rarer and valuable Colonial coin, then I would guess that it would then be fairly valuable and unique. Good luck...Frank
Colonial American coins are those which were issued under the British prior to 1776.The coins struck by the U.S. states were issued when the Articles of Confederation was the U.S.A.'s constitutional document (1783-89). Aidan.
