1787 Fugio Cent - FUCIO Misspelling United States

Coin Details

Description

Bearing one of the most famous misspellings in all of American numismatics, this Pointed Rays Fugio cent exhibits the FUCIO error — where the die sinker cut a C instead of a G in the obverse legend FUGIO, producing the nonsensical FUCIO inscription. While the Club Rays FUCIO variety is perhaps better known, this Pointed Rays version with the same misspelling is equally significant as an independent die cutting error. The mistake occurred when the engraver working on this obverse die either confused the letter C for G — visually similar characters that differ only in the horizontal bar of the G — or used the wrong letter punch from the set of available tools. The reverse carries the standard "United States" legend order within the thirteen-link chain design surrounding WE ARE ONE. The Fugio cent was authorized by the Continental Congress on April 21, 1787, and contracted to James Jarvis for production at his New Haven facility. The obverse sundial design with MIND YOUR BUSINESS and the date 1787 accompanies the misspelled FUCIO, and the reverse chain links represent the unity of the original thirteen states. Cataloged within the Newman reference system. Struck in copper. The rarity notes classify this as rare and identify the FUCIO misspelling on Pointed Rays as a major variety — a designation earned by the combination of the prominent error, limited surviving population, and enduring collector fascination with the blunder. The FUCIO error on America's first authorized coinage has become one of the most widely cited examples of die-cutting mistakes in numismatic history.

Rarity Notes

Rare. The FUCIO misspelling on Pointed Rays is a major variety.

Cross References

Newman; Pointed Rays FUCIO misspelling variety