2022-02-10 Thu

The Fugio Cent, also known as the Franklin cent, after founding father Benjamin Franklin, may have been the first coin circulated in the newly formed United States. It is the first official circulation coin of the United States. Consisting of (10 g) of copper, it was designed by Benjamin Franklin and minted only in 1787.

The coin shows a sun and sundial with the Latin motto “fugio,” suggesting the sun and time are flying. At the bottom, the coin says “mind your business,” an invocation for the bearer to literally pay attention to their business affairs. The reverse of the coin has the motto “We are one” with 13 links in a chain to symbolize America’s first 13 states.

A coin with such an interesting history may go for a few thousand dollars and perhaps as high as USD 10,000, while extremely rare variants may sell for tens of thousands.

Image Courtesy: pcgs.com