1787 Fugio Cent - United States, 4 Cinq

Coin Details

Description

Within the Newman classification of Fugio cent varieties, this "United States, 4 Cinq" type features four cinquefoil ornaments — small five-petaled flower motifs — placed at intervals within the thirteen-link chain on the reverse. The cinquefoils serve as decorative punctuation marks between chain link segments, adding visual embellishment to the reverse design beyond the standard plain chain links found on most Fugio cent varieties. The "United States" component of the designation indicates the normal word order in the outer reverse legend, distinguishing this from the reversed "States United" arrangement found on other dies. The four-cinquefoil variety exists as the United States legend counterpart to the "States United - 4 Cinq" variety, and it is somewhat more commonly encountered because the United States legend dies as a group had higher production volumes than the States United dies. The ornamental cinquefoils are a die-cutting choice that reflects the engraver's artistic decision to embellish the chain design, and their number (four) and placement serve as diagnostic features for die identification within the Newman system. Authorized by the Continental Congress in April 1787 and struck at James Jarvis's New Haven mint, Fugio cents in all varieties carry the obverse sundial with FUGIO and MIND YOUR BUSINESS and the reverse chain encircling WE ARE ONE. Moderately scarce, the 4 Cinq variety appeals to die variety specialists who pursue completeness across the various ornamental and design features that distinguish Fugio cent dies from one another.

Rarity Notes

Moderately scarce.

Cross References

Newman; United States, 4 cinquefoil variety