1787 Fugio Cent - Club Rays, Rounded Ends

Coin Details

Description

Within the Club Rays subgroup of the 1787 Fugio cent, this variety is identified by the rounded terminations of the sundial rays, where blunt ray ends conclude in smooth curves rather than the cinquefoil (five-petaled flower) ornaments found on other Club Rays specimens. The Fugio cent was the first coin authorized by Congress (April 21, 1787), contracted for production to James Jarvis. The obverse features a sundial with FUGIO ("I fly") and MIND YOUR BUSINESS, while the reverse displays thirteen chain links with WE ARE ONE. Club Rays varieties are distinguished from Pointed Rays by their thick, club-shaped rays rather than fine, tapered ones. The rounded-end sub-variety indicates a specific obverse die finished with smooth curves during engraving, creating a softer visual effect at each ray's endpoint. The design is attributed to Benjamin Franklin's influence, and production occurred at New Haven, Connecticut. This variety may encompass multiple die marriages sharing the rounded-end obverse feature. Club Rays with rounded ends are moderately scarce within the broader Fugio cent population.

Rarity Notes

Moderately scarce. Club Rays with rounded ends.

Cross References

Newman; Club Rays, rounded ends group