1787 Fugio Cent - Uni. Sta., Club Rays, Concave

Coin Details

Description

Combining three distinctive features — the abbreviated UNI. STA. for "United States," the bold Club Rays sunburst design, and a concave reverse — this 1787 Fugio Cent represents an unusual intersection of die varieties within the first coinage authorized by the United States government. The Fugio Cents were authorized by the Continental Congress on April 21, 1787, and produced under contract by James Jarvis at the Broome and Platt facility in New Haven, Connecticut. Struck in copper at 10.2 grams with a 28 mm diameter and plain edge, the obverse features a sundial with the legend FUGIO ("I fly" — referring to time) and MIND YOUR BUSINESS, designs attributed to Benjamin Franklin. The reverse displays the distinctive Club Rays — thick, bold sunburst rays ending in rounded club shapes rather than the pointed rays found on other varieties — surrounding the legend AMERICAN CONGRESS and WE ARE ONE, with a chain of thirteen links representing the united states. The concave reverse indicates a die configuration that produced a curved rather than flat reverse surface, an uncommon production characteristic. Cataloged in the Newman classification system and PCGS #910, the Club Rays with United States abbreviated and concave reverse is classified as scarce — an unusual combination that documents the diversity of die preparation and striking techniques employed during Fugio Cent production. The Fugio Cent's status as the first authorized coinage of the United States gives every variety within the series heightened historical significance, and the Club Rays type is among the most visually dramatic.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Concave reverse with Club Rays is an unusual combination.

Cross References

Newman; Club Rays, United States abbreviated, concave reverse