1787 Fugio Cent - American Congress Newman 1-CC

Coin Details

Description

Cataloged as Newman 1-CC, this rare Fugio cent variety bears the "American Congress" legend and represents a specific die marriage: obverse die 1 paired with reverse die CC. American Congress varieties are among the earliest and rarest Fugio pieces, produced from dies likely representing an initial design concept before the legend was changed to "United States" for the main production run. The American Congress inscription directly invokes the governmental body that authorized the coinage, reflecting the Confederation period when Congress served as the primary national governing organ. Whether these are die trials, patterns, or a brief initial production run remains scholarly debate. Each known American Congress Fugio cent is individually tracked due to the type's extreme rarity, and auction appearances are significant numismatic events. The obverse carries the sundial with FUGIO and MIND YOUR BUSINESS; the reverse shows thirteen chain links with WE ARE ONE. Production was contracted to James Jarvis at New Haven. American Congress Fugio cents rival the Brasher Doubloon and Continental Currency dollar in historical importance, making them among the most sought-after colonial American coins.

Rarity Notes

Very rare. American Congress varieties are among the most sought-after Fugio cents.

Cross References

Newman 1-CC