The Ben Franklin cent otherwise known as the 1787 Fugio Cent was the first coin authorized by the United States of America to be struck. In the era these coins were struck people called them the Franklin cent because Franklin is credited with suggesting the legends on the coin and the reverse design of the chain with thirteen links. Each link with one of the original thirteen colonies stamped on it. Fugiomeans time flies so Franklin suggested the words MIND YOUR BUSINESS be added to the obverse of the coin below the sun dial. The dies for these coins were made by Abel Buell, a New Haven resident. Be it known that the new colonies contracted with France for the gun powder needed for the Colonial Army and Navy to defend the new nation. Now picture this. The gun powder was shipped in kegs whose staves were held in place with copper bands. There were no steel bands back then, because the bessemer process of making steel did not exist. They used copper instead of iron, because iron bands could brush one another in shipment or handling and accidently cause a spark that would ignite the powder. As the powder was used up, the copper bands were stored at the armories and military depots. The early Fugio Cents were the first American coins to be struck on blanks made from military stores. The copper bands were melted and used by Mr. Jarvis at his Broom and Platt Store in New Haven. Restrikes of the coins are thought to be made from dies created in the 1860s.. These were made of copper purchased for the restrikes and not from copper bands from powder kegs. Clinker
Clinker,the New Haven restrikes are actually listed in Krause.I've never seen a Fugio Cent,but I have seen a Nova Constellatio Cent. That is a very interesting posting you've put up.Well done. Aidan.
Thank you Aiden Work. Here's a link to a Fugio Cent http://www.coinfacts.com/colonial_coins/fugio_cents/fugio_cents.htm Clinker
Clinker,that is a very good link you've posted there.Yes,it also mentions the New Haven Restrikes as well. Aidan.
I have to find a link to a coin I'm writing about or hope some member of CoinTalk will post a link or a photo of their coin. I had a stroke affecting my entire left side and cannot take photos of any coins I might have in my collection. Again my thanks to you Aiden Work. Clinker
Clinker,a friend of mine died of a stroke back in September,a week before she would have turned 88.She was as fit as a fiddle for an 87 year old. Just refer to me as Aidan,please.'Work' is actually my surname. Aidan.
Aiden: I'm 71 and had the stroke in Feb. 05, yet each month I get a little better. Am doing therapuetic exercises at home on my own. Still have to type with only my right hand, but I can hold down the Shift key with my left forefinger. I can walk short distances with a two-wheel walker. Went out for a poetry reading last night thanks to a fellow poet coming to my house and picking mre up. Hadn't been to a poetry reading in a couple years. That made me feel alive as does being able find bits of coin trivia to share here on CoinTalk. Clinker
Clinker: Sorry to hear that you were/are ill. But, that stroke obviously did not affect your ability to research & write. Keep up the good work, it'll keep you alert and happy! Thanks for your contributions, Frank
The Bank of New York used to show them off at Wall Street before they all but sold off that historical Bank of New York Building. Ruben
"The Ben Franklin cent otherwise known as the 1787 Fugio Cent" I didn't know the other name! Thanks Frank
That is a very nice coin design.I wonder where the connection between the Fugio Cent & Ben Franklin comes from.Perhaps the phrase 'Mind Your Business' could be the connection. Can anyone please shine a bit of light on this? Aidan.
