Continental Currency

About This Coin

The 1776 Continental Currency dollar is among the first coins produced under authority of the Continental Congress during the American Revolution. The obverse features a sundial with FUGIO (Latin: "I fly," referring to time) and MIND YOUR BUSINESS, while the reverse shows thirteen interlocking chain links representing the united colonies with WE ARE ONE and AMERICAN CONGRESS. Most were struck in pewter, with extremely rare silver, copper, and brass examples. The spelling of "Currency" varies across dies: correct "Currency," single-R "Curency," and extra-E "Currencey" — each representing a distinct die variety cut by hand. The design is commonly attributed to Benjamin Franklin, with the "EG FECIT" variety suggesting engraver Elisha Gallaudet. Later restrikes by Boyd & Smith, Thomas Elder, and the Numismatic Knights satisfy collector demand for this iconic issue.