Diagnostic Controls & Presets Sovereign State of New Jersey (Nova Caesarea)
Diagnostic Forensic Readings
Forensic Attribution Diagnostic
Real-time metallurgical and die variety cross-examination verified against certified populations.
Technical Breakdown: Physics, Metallurgy & Die Diagnostics
Authorized Amount: 3,000,000 coppers (150 grains each)
The New Jersey Assembly authorized coppers to replace lightweight counterfeit British halfpence. Mints were operated at Rahway (Goadsby and Cox) and Morristown (Walter Mould).
Varieties: Camel Head (56-n), Serpent Head (54-k), Running Fox (75-bb)
Published in 1881 by Dr. Edward Maris. Over 140 die marriages are recognized, detailing the evolution of the horsehead mane and the shape of the plow coulter and handles.
Reverse: 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' enclosing a federal Union shield
New Jersey coppers represent the very first regular state coinage to carry America's national motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' ('Out of many, one') on its reverse shield.
Documented Benchmark Auction Records
Ex-Partrick Collection. Magnificent glossy chocolate planchet with needle-sharp horse mane and crisp 'NOVA CAESAREA' lettering.
Choice uncirculated slider showing the dramatic curved neck of the Camel Head variety and full vertical shield stripes.
Historic Morristown mint variety featuring a clear running fox privy mark below the plow beam; smooth cabinet patina.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were New Jersey Coppers minted between 1786 and 1788?
Following the Revolutionary War, the state of New Jersey was flooded with lightweight, worn, and counterfeit British coppers. On June 1, 1786, the New Jersey Assembly passed an act authorizing the coinage of three million copper pieces to establish a stable local currency and provide clean small change for citizens.
What does 'NOVA CAESAREA' mean on the coin?
'Nova Caesarea' is Latin for 'New Jersey'. The name honors Sir George Carteret, who had served as governor of the Isle of Jersey in the English Channel (historically known in Roman times as Caesarea).
What does the obverse horse's head and plow represent?
The design was adapted directly from the Great Seal of New Jersey, designed by Pierre Eugene du Simitiere in 1777. The horse's head symbolizes agricultural strength, speed, and defense, while the horse-drawn plow symbolizes the fertile farmland and agricultural backbone of the Garden State.
What is the historical significance of 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' on the reverse?
New Jersey was the very first regular coinage in America to feature the national motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' ('Out of Many, One'). Placed above a heraldic Union shield with 13 vertical stripes, it symbolized New Jersey's unwavering dedication to the newly unified United States.
Who were the minters of the New Jersey coppers?
Coinage was carried out by Walter Mould, Thomas Goadsby, and Albion Cox. Because of personal squabbles, they split into two separate mint houses: Goadsby and Cox operated at the Rahway Mint, while Mould established his own facility at the Morristown Mint.
What are the 'Camel Head' and 'Serpent Head' varieties?
Numismatists use the classification system established by Dr. Edward Maris in 1881. In certain dies, the engraver carved the horse's neck with unusual curves: on Maris 56-n, the neck has an exaggerated hump resembling a camel ('Camel Head'); on Maris 54-k, the neck is long and curved like a serpent ('Serpent Head').
What is the 'Running Fox' mintmark on the 1788 variety?
On certain 1788 New Jersey coppers struck at Walter Mould's Morristown mint, a tiny outline of a running fox appears as a privy mark in the legend beneath the plow. This running fox is one of the most famous and beloved colonial numismatic markers.