Fugio Cent Tribute – 2 oz Silver Round
A sundial, a practical motto, and thirteen joined rings give the Fugio design a character all its own. This two troy ounce .999 fine silver tribute brings the imagery of the 1787 copper cent into a substantial 39mm round, finished in Brilliant Uncirculated silver with a reeded edge.
Before the Federal Mint
Congress authorized copper cents in 1787, while the nation was governed under the Articles of Confederation. The Fugio issue therefore belongs to the years before the establishment of the United States Mint in 1792. It emerged from a world of mixed foreign and state coinages, when creating a dependable national currency was still unfinished work.
The design delivers its message through pictures as well as words. FUGIO, Latin for “I flee,” accompanies the sundial: time is passing. MIND YOUR BUSINESS adds a brisk reminder to attend to one’s affairs. Turn the piece over and the emphasis shifts from individual effort to collective strength, with thirteen linked rings and WE ARE ONE. The contrast gives this early American design its lasting appeal.
Obverse Design
A radiant sun shines over a detailed sundial. FUGIO and the date 1787 flank the scene, with MIND YOUR BUSINESS beneath it. Dentils frame the outer rim. The historic date is part of the tribute design, not the year this modern silver round was struck.
Reverse Design
Thirteen joined rings represent the original states surrounding a central circle inscribed UNITED STATES and WE ARE ONE. The repeating links make unity visible, while the dentil border echoes the obverse.
An Intaglio Mint Milestone
The Fugio Cent Tribute is the first piece to bear Intaglio Mint’s new mintmark. The hallmark and mintmark details below show the modern identity of this silver tribute, distinct from the original copper cent.
Specifications
- Weight: 2.00 troy ounce
- Thickness: ~6mm
- Purity: .999 fine
- Edge: Reeded
- Diameter: 39mm
- Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated
Explore more designs in our silver round collection.
