1787 Fugio Cent - States United, 4 Cinq

Coin Details

Description

Combining the reversed "States United" legend with four cinquefoil ornaments within the chain link design, this 1787 Fugio cent is defined by two diagnostic features that together identify a specific reverse die. Cinquefoils — five-petaled flower-shaped ornaments — fill spaces within the thirteen chain links, and the count of four distinguishes this from dies bearing different quantities. The "States United" legend, reading reversed from "United States," appears on a subset of Fugio dies and has been interpreted as emphasizing state sovereignty during the Confederation period or simply reflecting a die sinker's variation. The obverse carries Benjamin Franklin's sundial design with FUGIO and MIND YOUR BUSINESS. Authorized by Congress on April 21, 1787, Fugio cents were contracted to James Jarvis for production at New Haven, struck in copper as one-cent pieces. This variety is moderately scarce, and the four-cinquefoil count combined with the States United legend narrows attribution to a defined subset of Newman catalog die combinations. Collectors use legend order, ray style, and ornament type as primary sorting criteria before individual die marriage identification.

Rarity Notes

Moderately scarce. States United with four cinquefoils.

Cross References

Newman; States United, 4 cinquefoil variety