Learn About the 8 Types of New York Copper Coins 1786-1787
New York Copper coinage – both the patterns and the circulating coins – are some of the rarest and most desirable of all colonial coinage. A number of the pattern coins and privately-minted New York coins are much scarcer than any copper coin minted in Connecticut, New Jersey or Vermont. Because of New York’s dense population in the 1770s, and its harbors and rivers, it was one of the most influential trading centers of the time, and it even served as the nation’s capital for a period.
Unlike in other colonies, there were no laws enacted by the New York State legislature that authorized any type of coinage. There are eight major types of New York copper coinage. We will take them individually.
- 1787 “NON-VI VIRTUE VICI” Small head copper. Bust of what is believed to be George Washington, facing right, with the Latin legend, “NON-VI VIRTUE VICI” (No virtue, conquered six). The reverse has the goddess of Liberty seated, facing right, holding scales and a Liberty Cap on a pole. Around the periphery are “NEO EBORACENSIS” (NEW YORK) and the date “1786.” The known population is 25-30 pieces.
2. 1787 Excelsior Copper, Eagle on Globe, Facing Right. Superb copper coin using what became the state motto of New York – Excelsior. The residents of New York considered that their rights were superior to that of many Europeans as they had no monarchy to be subjugated to. The Obverse of this coin depicts the New York State Coat of arms, with an eagle on a globe facing right, with the word “EXCELSIOR”. The reverse depicts a heraldic eagle, facing right, a Union shield over the body, arrows in the left talon and olive branches in the right talon. There are 13 six-pointed stars surrounding the eagle’s head and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” around the periphery as well as the “1787” date. The known population is 12-20 pieces.
3. 1787 Excelsior Copper, Eagle on Globe Facing left. This type is exactly the same design as above, except that on the obverse, the eagle on the Coat of Arms side is standing on a Globe but the eagle is now facing left. It is thought that 25-30 examples exist.
4. 1787 Excelsior, Large Eagle, Talons with Arrows and Branches Transposed. This is an unusual variety as the reverse Eagle is significantly larger and the arrows and olive branches in the eagle’s talons have been transposed. There are estimated to be 15-20 specimens in existence.
5. The George Clinton Copper. This type has a bust of Governor George Clinton, facing right, with his name around the periphery on the obverse. The reverse has the standard New York Coat of Arms, with the eagle on a globe, facing right and “1787” and “EXCELSIOR” on the bottom periphery.
It is thought that Thomas Machin may have struck the Clinton Coppers. Governor Clinton and Thomas Machin were close friends. Clinton supported Independence but did not sign the Declaration, as he was serving with General Washington on the field of battle when it was signed. There may be 13 Clinton Coppers in existence today.
6. 1787 Indian and New York Arms. The Indian and New York Arms copper coin is unusual and highly desirable. The obverse has an American Indian, standing, with a tomahawk and bow. The reverse has the New York Coat of Arms, with the 1787 date and “EXCELSIOR” below. The estimated number of specimens to have survived is 30 to 40.
7. 1787 Indian and Eagle on Globe Copper. The American Indian and Eagle on Globe copper is unusual and desirable. The obverse also depicts a standing American Indian with a tomahawk and bow, though the figure is larger than the prior specimen. The reverse depicts an eagle on a globe with wings spread and the two New York legends “NEO-EBORACUS” and “EXCELSIOR’ as well as the date “1787” are all on display.
Perhaps as many as 40 examples exist of the sought-after specimen.
8. 1787 Indian and George III Copper. This unusual New York Copper coin depicts the American Indian with tomahawk and bow on the obverse and a portrait of King George III of England on the reverse. The muling of these two images makes this a most unusual coin. The obverse has the typical American Indian with a Tomahawk and bows and uniform legends across the periphery of the obverse. While the reverse bears a portrait of just-vanquished King George III. Was the intent of this piece satirical or was there a deeper meaning? Only four specimens are known to exist and add substantial wear.
Collecting New York copper coinage is extremely difficult and many of the surviving specimens are in very well-worn condition, meaning that even with such small mintages the specimens saw a great deal of circulation and handling. Putting together a type set is truly a challenge.
| Date | Type | Mintage | VG Value | XF Value |
| 1786 | NON VI VIRTUE VICI | 25 – 30 Known | $8,000 | $70,000 |
| 1787 | Excelsior, Eagle on Globe facing Right | 12 – 20 Known | $4,500 | $65,000 |
| 1787 | Excelsior, Eagle on Globe facing Left | 25 – 30 Known | $4,000 | $44,000 |
| 1787 | Excelsior, Eagle Talons Transposed | 15 – 20 Known | $7,000 | $75,000 |
| 1787 | George Clinton Copper | 13 Known | $22,500 | $175,000 |
| 1787 | Indian and New York Coat of Arms | 30 – 40 Known | $19,500 | $130,000 |
| 1787 | Indian and Eagle on Globe | 40 Known | $21,500 | $140,000 |
| 1787 | Indian and George III | 4 Known | Priceless | Priceless |
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