1787 Fugio Cent - States United

Coin Details

Description

Bearing the reversed legend "STATES UNITED" rather than "UNITED STATES," this 1787 Fugio cent represents one of two primary legend classifications organizing the series. Legend order serves as the first major sorting criterion, preceding finer divisions by ray style, ornament type, and die combination. The "States United" type was produced from multiple die marriages, representing a significant portion of production though generally less common than "United States" varieties. Whether the reversed legend represents a deliberate political statement emphasizing state primacy during the Confederation, or a die sinker's variation, has been debated by scholars. The obverse carries Benjamin Franklin's sundial with FUGIO and MIND YOUR BUSINESS; the reverse chain of thirteen links surrounds WE ARE ONE. Authorized by Congress on April 21, 1787, and produced under James Jarvis's contract at New Haven in copper, Fugio cents were the first coins bearing the United States name. The Newman reference catalogs each die marriage individually. The States United type remains accessible enough to serve as a cornerstone of any serious Fugio cent collection.

Rarity Notes

Available but less common than United States legend varieties.

Cross References

Newman; States United, standard type