1787 Fugio Cent - New Haven Restrike, Silver

Coin Details

Description

Struck in silver rather than the standard copper, this New Haven restrike of the Fugio cent was produced circa 1858-1860s when the original dies resurfaced and were used to strike a limited number of collector pieces in various metals. Cataloged in the Newman reference system for Fugio cents, the silver version is dramatically scarcer than the copper and brass restrikes produced during the same campaign, as precious-metal strikings were made in far smaller quantities and distributed primarily to prominent collectors and dealers of the era. The bright white luster of the silver composition gives these pieces a strikingly different appearance from the original copper Fugio cents of 1787, immediately identifying them as restrikes to any informed observer. The New Haven restrikes are connected to the city where James Jarvis originally contracted to produce the Fugio cents in 1787, and the resurgence of interest in early American coinage during the 1850s created a market for restrike productions using dies of historical significance. The obverse retains the original sundial design with FUGIO and MIND YOUR BUSINESS, while the reverse displays the thirteen-link chain surrounding WE ARE ONE. The rarity notes confirm that silver restrikes are scarcer than copper or brass versions, placing this among the premier Fugio cent collectibles. These silver restrikes occupy a distinctive niche in American numismatics — they are not original 1787 productions, yet they were struck from the authentic original dies, giving them a direct physical connection to the first coins authorized by the United States government that no modern reproduction can claim.

Rarity Notes

Very rare. Silver restrikes are scarcer than copper or brass versions.

Cross References

Newman; New Haven Restrike, silver