1787 Fugio Cent - Club Rays, Cinquefoil Ends United States

Coin Details

Description

Within the Club Rays subgroup of Fugio cents, this variety is further distinguished by cinquefoil ornaments — small five-petaled floral designs — at the terminations of the broad, blunt sundial rays, paired with the standard "United States" legend order on the thirteen-link chain reverse. The Club Rays type features distinctly broader and more rounded rays than the sharply tapered Pointed Rays found on the majority of Fugio cent obverse dies, and the addition of cinquefoil endings creates a more ornate appearance that separates these dies from the rounded-end and plain Club Rays variants. Authorized by the Continental Congress on April 21, 1787, the Fugio cent was contracted to James Jarvis, who produced them at his New Haven, Connecticut, facility. The obverse sundial carries the inscriptions FUGIO ("I fly," a reference to the passage of time) and MIND YOUR BUSINESS (a dual admonition about both commerce and personal responsibility), while the reverse's thirteen interlocking chain links — representing the original states — encircle WE ARE ONE. Cataloged within the Newman reference system, which provides the definitive die variety classification for the Fugio cent series. Struck in copper on planchets whose specifications varied during production. Classified as moderately scarce with the Club Rays and "United States" legend combination, this variety is accessible to dedicated colonial copper collectors. The cinquefoil ornament at the ray tips adds a decorative flourish that elevates the aesthetic appeal of these dies above the plainer Club Rays variants, making them popular display pieces.

Rarity Notes

Moderately scarce. Club Rays variety with United States legend.

Cross References

Newman; Club Rays, United States legend group