1787 Fugio Cent - 4 Cinq, Raised Rims

Coin Details

Description

Distinguished by four cinquefoil ornaments (five-petaled flower devices) positioned within the chain links on the reverse and raised rims on both obverse and reverse, this Fugio cent variety represents a scarce die combination within the broader Newman-cataloged Pointed Rays group. The raised rims indicate production using a different collar or die configuration than the standard flat-rim issues, suggesting this particular die pairing was set up with tighter collar tolerances that forced metal upward at the edges of the planchet during striking. The four cinquefoils — small decorative elements placed between selected chain links — serve as die-attribution markers that distinguish this reverse die from the more common five-cinquefoil and no-cinquefoil varieties. The Fugio cent obverse features Benjamin Franklin's sundial design with pointed rays emanating from the sun, the Latin word FUGIO, and the date 1787, while the reverse displays thirteen interlocking chain links — each bearing the name of one of the original states — surrounding the central motto WE ARE ONE. Authorized by the Continental Congress and contracted to James Jarvis for production at his facility in New Haven, Connecticut, the Fugio cent was the first coin authorized by the United States government, predating the establishment of the Philadelphia Mint by five years. Scarce in any condition, the combination of four cinquefoils and raised rims narrows the population to a specific subset of an already limited mintage, making this variety a significant find for collectors methodically working through the Newman die-combination census.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. The raised rim and four cinquefoil combination is uncommon.

Cross References

Newman; Pointed Rays group