The Fugio Cent
Despite its vaguely Asian sounding name, the Fugio cent was actually the first
coin of the United States. A copper penny similar to the 1776 Continental
dollar, the overall design of the Fugio was dictated by Congress and was
heavily influenced by Benjamin Franklin. In fact, Fugios have often been
referred to as "Franklin cents". In particular, the proverbs on the coin most
likely originated in Franklin's "Poor Richard's Almanack". The word "Fugio" on
the coin (Latin for "I Fly") - combined with the image of the sundial ("Time")
- form the popular Latin phrase "tempus fugit", or "time flies". The motto
"Mind Your Business" had a somewhat different meaning back then, and was
intended as advice to small businesses. For more information on this unique
piece of American history, please refer "The Fugio Cents", Alan Kessler's
definitive work published by Colony Coin Co.