Numismatic

1787 Fugio Cent 4 Cinquefoil VF-20 CAC

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Dating back to the earliest days of the United States, this 1787 Fugio Cent represents a foundational moment in American numismatic history. Struck in New Haven, Connecticut, these early cents were minted using copper sourced from military stores and salvaged metal. This particular specimen has been graded Very Fine 20 by, preserving its distinct features through more than two centuries. The design, conceived by Benjamin Franklin, delivers a powerful and practical message. The obverse features a sundial beneath a shining sun with pointed rays, flanked by the Latin word FUGIO and the direct English instruction, MIND YOUR BUSINESS. This variety is specifically attributed by the four cinquefoils that accent the design. On the reverse, a chain of thirteen linked rings forms a continuous circle, with each link representing one of the original states. At the center of this symbolic unity is the inscription WE ARE ONE. This design serves as a vivid physical artifact of a young nation defining its identity and values.