Born on 19 February 1473 in Toruń (Thorn) Nicolaus was the eldest son of a Toruń alderman, also Nicolaus (d. after 18 July 1483), and Barbara Watzenrode, a daughter of a rich patrician, Lucas Watzenrode (d. 1462). 

19 Feb. 1473

Nicolaus Copernicus was born in Toruń/Thorn, the eldest son of a merchant of the same name, and his wife Barbara Watzenrode.