2016-02-05 Fri

The most loved 1776 Continental Currency dollars made a refreshing comeback in the form of replica coins issued as a part of a direct-mail fundraising campaign for Cato Institute -– a public policy research organization dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets and peace. These coins will be distributed to potential contributors to generate funds.

Not just that, subscribers of the think- tank's free email newsletters could get lucky as these replicas are also being randomly distributed through its website to them. This coin was particularly selected for replication as the pattern's inscriptions reflect the think tank's ideals.

A total of 40,000 of the 33-millimeter pewter replicas were produced by Amagi Metals in Denver. More could be produced depending upon the success of the fundraising campaign.

The original 1776 Continental Currency dollars were struck in silver, brass and tin as well as pewter. Some issues bore the misspelled CURENCY or CURRENCEY and were 40 mm in diameter with a twin leaf ornamented edge. Unlike the genuine coins, Cato Institute's pewter replicas have a plain edge instead of the ornamental edge. Also, the word COPY is inscribed on the lower right hand side of the replica's reverse as per the Hobby Protection Act.