Description
1787 Fugio Cent
The 1787 Fugio Cent holds a special place in American history as the first coinage produced under the authority of the United States, often considered the nation’s earliest official step toward a unified monetary system. Struck during the fragile years following independence, it reflects the values and ambitions of a young republic striving to define itself economically and politically.
Designed with strong symbolic meaning, the Fugio Cent features a radiant sun shining over a sundial, paired with the famous motto “Mind Your Business.” Far more than a witty phrase, it served as a moral lesson to the citizens of the new nation — encouraging hard work, discipline, and personal responsibility. The date 1787 anchors the coin firmly in the founding era, making it one of the most historically significant early American issues.
The reverse displays one of the most powerful emblems of unity in early U.S. coinage: thirteen interlocking rings, representing the original states bound together as one nation. At the center, the inscription “We Are One” delivers a clear political message — a reminder that strength and survival depended on solidarity and cooperation.
Today, the 1787 Fugio Cent remains one of the most admired early American coins, prized not only for its rarity and historical importance, but also for its striking design and enduring symbolism. It stands as a true numismatic monument to the birth of the United States — a coin that carries, in a single glance, the ideals of time, unity, and national purpose.
Description
This modern coin pays tribute to the historic 1787 Fugio Cent, widely recognized as the first coin issued under the authority of the United States and a powerful symbol of the nation’s early identity.
The obverse features the famous sun and sundial design, accompanied by the motto “Mind Your Business,” a timeless reminder of industry, responsibility, and self-reliance. The original date 1787 appears alongside the central motif, capturing the spirit of America’s founding era. Around the rim, the inscriptions “Niue Island,” “Five Dollars,” “2026,” “2 oz,” and “Ag 999” indicate the issuer, face value, year, weight, and silver purity.
The reverse showcases the iconic linked-ring chain representing unity and strength among the states, with the central inscription “We Are One” surrounded by “United States.” The outer ring reads “Greatest United States Coins” with a small U.S. flag at the bottom, honoring this pioneering coin as a cornerstone of American numismatic heritage.
