1787 Fugio Cent - 8-Pointed Star States United

Coin Details

Description

Combining two uncommon features in a single variety, this Fugio cent pairs the unusual eight-pointed star ornament on the reverse with the scarcer "States United" legend order — a reversal of the standard "United States" inscription found on the majority of Fugio cent reverse dies. The eight-pointed star is a departure from the more common cinquefoil (five-petaled flower) ornament and the plain pointed or club rays found on other Fugio cent varieties, and its occurrence on only a small number of reverse dies makes it a distinctive identification marker. The "States United" legend order, where the word order is transposed from the expected "United States," is itself scarcer than the standard arrangement and has long been a focus of collector interest. Authorized by the Continental Congress on April 21, 1787, and contracted to James Jarvis, Fugio cents were produced at the New Haven facility with dies featuring numerous variations in ray style, ornament type, legend order, and other details that have generated a rich die variety catalog. The obverse bears the standard sundial design with FUGIO and MIND YOUR BUSINESS, while the reverse's thirteen interlocking chain links encircle WE ARE ONE. Cataloged within the Newman reference system. Struck in copper on approximately cent-sized planchets. The rarity notes classify this as scarce, with the combination of two uncommon features — eight-pointed star and "States United" legend — making it doubly desirable for Fugio cent specialists building comprehensive die variety collections.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Combines two uncommon features: eight-pointed star and States United legend.

Cross References

Newman; eight-pointed star, States United legend group