1787 Fugio Cent - United States, 1 Over Horiz. 1

Coin Details

Description

Displaying the "1 Over Horizontal 1" feature in the fraction, this 1787 Fugio cent pairs the "United States" reverse legend with an unusual numeral anomaly. The fraction reads 1/13 (one-thirteenth of a dollar), and the horizontal fraction bar incorporates a sideways "1" punch overlapping the upright "1" — creating visible doubling at different orientations. This overstriking occurred during die preparation when the numeral punch was applied twice at perpendicular angles, possibly correcting a misplacement. The "1 Over Horizontal 1" exists on dies for both "United States" and "States United" legends, indicating the same obverse die or punch characteristic appears across multiple Newman catalog die combinations. The Fugio cent, authorized by Congress on April 21, 1787, was the first coin bearing the United States name, featuring Benjamin Franklin's sundial with FUGIO and MIND YOUR BUSINESS on the obverse and thirteen chain links with WE ARE ONE on the reverse. Struck in copper at New Haven under James Jarvis's contract, this variety is moderately scarce and provides a visually interesting attribution point rewarding careful magnification.

Rarity Notes

Moderately scarce.

Cross References

Newman; United States, 1 Over Horizontal 1 variety