Description

On April 21, 1787, the Congress of the Confederation of the United States authorized a design for an official copper penny, later referred to as the Fugio cent because of its image of the sun shining down on a sundial with the caption, “Fugio,” a Latin word meaning “flee or fly.”  Designed by Benjamin Franklin, as a reminder to its holders, he put at the bottom the message, “Mind Your Business.” The image and the words form a rebus meaning that “time flies, do your work.” This design was also used on the “Continental dollar,” issued as coins of an unknown real denomination in February 1776.

Some historians believe that the word “business” was intended literally here, as Franklin was an influential and successful businessman. Given Franklin’s history publishing aphorisms, it may have been intended to mean both monetary and social business.

The reverse side bore the third motto “We Are One” surrounded by thirteen chain links, representing the original thirteen colonial states.

• Contains: 2 oz. Troy .999 Fine Silver
• Obverse: The outer rim encircled by dentils, with an illustration of the sun shining down upon a sundial flanked on either side by the word “FUGIO” and the date “1787,” and the words below “MIND YOUR BUSINESS” below the sundial.
• Reverse: The outer rim encircled with dentils, surrounding thirteen circles enjoined like the links of a chain, representing the thirteen colonies, signifying strength and unity.  An inner circle with the words “UNITED STATES” incuse, surrounding the saying “WE ARE ONE.”

The Fugio Cent Tribute is the first piece to bear Intaglio Mint’s new mintmark!