How to Identify the Nova Eborac Copper

What It Is

The Nova Eborac Copper was struck in 1787, one of several state-authorized or privately produced coppers that filled the need for small change in New York during the Confederation period before a national coinage system was established. "Nova Eborac" is a Latinized form of "New York," referencing the city's former name Eboracum-linked heritage used decoratively on coinage of the era.

Obverse Design & Inscriptions

The obverse shows a seated figure facing left, generally interpreted as a classical female figure, with the legend NOVA EBORAC around the border and the date 1787 below.

Reverse Design & Inscriptions

Reverse designs vary by die variety: some show a walking or standing Native American figure, while others show a seated Liberty-like figure facing right. The legend and border details differ slightly between these types, which numismatists use to classify the several known Nova Eborac varieties.

Size, Weight, and Metal

These are copper coins roughly the size of a large cent of the period, around 28-29 mm in diameter, with weight in the range typical of contemporary state coppers, generally between 5 and 8 grams depending on striking quality and wear.

Mint Marks

No mint marks are present; Nova Eborac coppers were not struck at a formal government mint with mint-mark conventions. Attribution instead depends on comparing the seated figure's pose and the reverse device against documented die varieties from research on 1787-dated New York-related coppers.

Telling It Apart From Similar Coins

Nova Eborac coppers are sometimes confused with other 1787-dated coppers of the Confederation period, such as Connecticut coppers or the Fugio cent, but the NOVA EBORAC legend is the clearest identifier. Because dies were sometimes mismatched or shared with other issues of the period, some reverse types seen paired with a Nova Eborac obverse also appear on other contemporary coppers, so careful comparison of both sides together is important for correct attribution.

Judging Condition at a Glance

Look at the seated figure's drapery and the reverse figure's outline for strike sharpness. As with most 18th-century hand-struck coppers, uneven striking was common even on new coins, so some weakness in certain areas does not necessarily indicate heavy circulation wear; overall smoothness and loss of fine linework across the whole coin is the better indicator of a well-worn example.

Authenticity Red Flags

Given the value collectors place on rare Confederation-era coppers, contemporary and modern counterfeits exist. Signs of a problem piece include cast texture with tiny surface bubbles or pitting, an incorrect diameter or weight compared to documented genuine specimens, and mismatched or anachronistic lettering styles. Because attribution among 1787 state coppers can be technical, comparing a candidate coin closely to published die varieties, or seeking an experienced early American copper specialist's opinion, is the best path to a confident identification.