New York copper coinage of 1786–1787 is a demanding area of early American numismatics. These pieces include patterns and privately produced coppers that circulated in a period when the young nation still lacked a stable, standardized coinage system. New York’s harbors and river commerce made it one of the era’s key trading centers, and New York City also served as the national seat of government under the Articles of Confederation in the mid-1780s and again under the new Constitution from 1789 to 1790. That commercial importance makes the absence of official, state-authorized copper coinage especially notable.
Unlike Connecticut, New Jersey, or Vermont, New York did not pass laws authorizing a state coinage during this period. As a result, the New York coppers associated with 1786 to 1787 are generally understood as privately produced or experimental issues rather than formal state issues. That unofficial status did not prevent use. Many survivors are well worn, suggesting real handling and circulation, even though the estimated populations for several types are extraordinarily small. For collectors, these coins combine historical importance with scarce surviving numbers.
Common Themes and Design Language
New York coppers share design elements rooted in post-Revolution symbolism. Liberty appears repeatedly, sometimes seated and sometimes implied through the liberty cap and pole. Eagles dominate the reverses, reflecting both national identity and the state’s own heraldic traditions. Latin legends and mottos are common, conveying political aspiration and civic virtue typical of the late 18th century.
Two inscriptions appear frequently in the New York copper series. One is “EXCELSIOR”, New York’s state motto already in official use by 1778 as part of the state’s arms, and it appears on coppers using the New York arms motif with an eagle atop a globe. The other is the Latin phrase “NEO EBORACENSIS”, or a similar variant, as a classical nod to “New York.” These legends, paired with prominent eagles, shields, stars, and liberty devices, create a coherent set of designs even though the pieces were not products of a single, official minting authority.
The Eight Major Types
Numismatists generally group New York copper coinage of 1786 to 1787 into eight major types.
“NON-VI VIRTUTE VICI” Small Head Copper (dated 1786)
This issue features a right-facing bust, often described as resembling George Washington but with no confirmed intent. The obverse bears the Latin legend “NON-VI VIRTUE VICI,” and the reverse shows Liberty seated, holding scales and a liberty cap on a pole. The reverse legend includes “NEO EBORACENSIS” and the date 1786. Estimated survival is roughly 25 to 30 pieces.
Excelsior Copper, Eagle on Globe Facing Right (dated 1787)
The obverse displays New York’s coat of arms motif with an eagle on a globe, facing right, and the word “EXCELSIOR”. The reverse presents a heraldic eagle with a union shield, arrows, olive branch, 13 six-pointed stars, the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM”, and the date 1787. Estimated population is about 12 to 20 specimens.
Excelsior Copper, Eagle on Globe Facing Left (dated 1787)
This type mirrors the prior Excelsior design except that the eagle on the globe faces left. It is believed that approximately 25 to 30 examples survive.
Excelsior, Large Eagle, Talons Transposed (dated 1787)
Here, the reverse eagle is notably larger, and the arrows and olive branch are swapped between talons compared to the more standard arrangement. Surviving examples are estimated at 15 to 20 pieces.
George Clinton Copper (dated 1787)
One of the most overtly political designs of the group, this coin bears a right-facing bust of Governor George Clinton with his name on the obverse. The reverse returns to the New York arms theme with the eagle on a globe facing right, along with “1787” and “EXCELSIOR”. These are often discussed as pattern issues, and some associate their manufacture with Thomas Machin’s circle. Surviving examples are extremely few with rosters typically recording about a dozen distinct specimens, though the exact count is not settled.
Indian and New York Arms Copper (dated 1787)
The obverse depicts a standing American Indian holding a tomahawk and bow. The reverse shows the New York coat of arms with the date 1787 and “EXCELSIOR”. Estimated survivors number about 30 to 40.
Indian and Eagle on Globe Copper (dated 1787)
Similar in concept to the prior type, this issue uses a larger Indian figure on the obverse. The reverse features an eagle on a globe with legends including forms of “NEO-EBORACUS” and “EXCELSIOR”, along with the date 1787. Perhaps as many as 40 examples exist.
Indian and George III Copper (dated 1787)
This pairing is unusual: an American Indian with tomahawk and bow on one side, and a portrait of King George III on the other. Whether intended as satire, commentary, or something more practical, the muling is unmistakably striking. Survivorship is extraordinarily low (commonly reported as about 3–4 known) and most examples show heavy wear.
Collecting Challenges and Lasting Appeal
Building even a basic type set of New York coppers is difficult. Several types are known by only a few dozen, or fewer, examples, and many survivors show significant wear from circulation. That combination of rarity and condition sensitivity makes New York copper coinage a category where opportunity often dictates strategy. When a piece appears at auction, it can attract attention, not only because of price levels, but because collectors may not see another example for years.
New York’s 1786–1787 coppers typify a moment in post-Revolutionary, post-1776 private/state-related coinage: unofficial yet symbolically resonant, artistically ambitious yet roughly produced, and consistently scarce. For many collectors, these coins embody how Americans in the immediate post-Revolution years experimented with symbols of identity, unity, and legitimacy, even before the nation could reliably supply its own money.
New York’s 1786–1787 coppers typify a moment in post-Revolutionary, post-1776 private/state-related coinage: unofficial yet symbolically resonant, artistically ambitious yet often crudely produced, and consistently scarce. For many collectors, these coins embody how Americans in the immediate post-Revolution years experimented with symbols of identity, unity, and legitimacy, even before the nation could reliably supply its own money.
