1787 Fugio Cent - New Haven Restrike, Brass

Coin Details

Description

Produced circa 1858 to the 1860s when original Fugio cent dies (or copies thereof) were rediscovered in New Haven, Connecticut, this brass restrike preserves the design of America's first federally authorized coin in a distinctive yellow-gold metal that immediately distinguishes it from original copper strikings. Referenced in the Newman catalog as a New Haven Restrike in brass, the piece bears the standard Fugio cent designs: the sundial obverse with FUGIO, MIND YOUR BUSINESS, and the date, paired with the reverse's thirteen interlocking chain links bearing state names and the WE ARE ONE central motto. The New Haven restrike story is itself a significant chapter in numismatic history — the original dies, used for James Jarvis's contracted production in 1787, were stored and apparently forgotten for decades before their rediscovery prompted a wave of restrike production for the burgeoning collector market of the 1850s and 1860s. Brass restrikes are distinguishable from copper originals by their distinctly yellow coloration, different weight characteristics, and often sharper detail resulting from the dies being used on metal with different flow properties than the original copper planchets. The brass composition also helps establish the restrike production timeline, as original 1787 Fugio cents were exclusively struck in copper. Rare as collector pieces from the mid-nineteenth century, New Haven brass restrikes are actively collected alongside original 1787 issues as important numismatic artifacts that document both the original design and the restrike tradition that preserved it for future generations.

Rarity Notes

Rare. New Haven restrikes in brass are scarce collector pieces.

Cross References

Newman; New Haven Restrike, brass