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The first Fugio?
MidLifeCrisis
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I was recently asked an interesting question concerning Fugios:
What Newman variety meant for normal production was struck first? In other words, what obverse die and what reverse die was used first on coins meant for normal use?
This would make it the true first coin issued by authority of the United States.
The specific answer to this question may be published somewhere.
In his book United States Fugio Copper Coinage of 1787, Eric Newman wrote:
"Fugio obverse variety 1 is distinctive in having many major differences from other production obverses. It has an equal armed 90 degree foliated cross or quatrefoil following the date. It has no cinquefoil ornamentation whereas four cinquefoils were present on all other production Fugio obverses. To the right of VIII on the dial the left part of an X appears instead of the left part of IX, an error which was later corrected on all other production obverse varieties. Accordingly, obverse variety 1 appears to be the earliest completed die. Since it is found combined with pattern reverse CC which contained AMERICAN CONGRESS on the band, obverse 1 must initially have been a pattern because that reverse legend was eliminated by Board of Treasury action on July 6, 1787 before production coinage began. Since obverse 1 was later combined with production coinage reverses B, L and Z, obverse 1 has the unusual status of being both a pattern obverse die and subsequently a production obverse die."
Newman 1-CC, the AMERICAN CONGRESS pattern, is an extremely rare and extremely valuable coin (R8).
Newman 1-B is at least an R-4 coin, maybe rarer.
Newman 1-L is at least an R-5 coin, maybe rarer.
Newman 1-Z is an R-7 coin.
According to the old Coinfacts website, the Newman 1-B variety was the only use of that reverse die. The engraver mistakenly punched the word ONE under the word WE; upon realizing his mistake, he punched an A over the O and an R over the N, left the E alone, then completed the rest of the wording. Early states of the reverse are perfect, with no visible clash marks. Later, clear "ghosts" of the exergue line and some of the letters of MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS appear at the top of the reverse. Also, early states of the obverse are perfect, with no visible clash marks. Later states show doubled clash marks developing on the upper right side of the obverse.
So given that information about the 1-B variety, coupled with the higher rarity values of the other obverse 1 varieties, my guess is the Newman 1-B is the earliest die combination and therefore the earliest production Fugio.
What Newman variety meant for normal production was struck first? In other words, what obverse die and what reverse die was used first on coins meant for normal use?
This would make it the true first coin issued by authority of the United States.
The specific answer to this question may be published somewhere.
In his book United States Fugio Copper Coinage of 1787, Eric Newman wrote:
"Fugio obverse variety 1 is distinctive in having many major differences from other production obverses. It has an equal armed 90 degree foliated cross or quatrefoil following the date. It has no cinquefoil ornamentation whereas four cinquefoils were present on all other production Fugio obverses. To the right of VIII on the dial the left part of an X appears instead of the left part of IX, an error which was later corrected on all other production obverse varieties. Accordingly, obverse variety 1 appears to be the earliest completed die. Since it is found combined with pattern reverse CC which contained AMERICAN CONGRESS on the band, obverse 1 must initially have been a pattern because that reverse legend was eliminated by Board of Treasury action on July 6, 1787 before production coinage began. Since obverse 1 was later combined with production coinage reverses B, L and Z, obverse 1 has the unusual status of being both a pattern obverse die and subsequently a production obverse die."
Newman 1-CC, the AMERICAN CONGRESS pattern, is an extremely rare and extremely valuable coin (R8).
Newman 1-B is at least an R-4 coin, maybe rarer.
Newman 1-L is at least an R-5 coin, maybe rarer.
Newman 1-Z is an R-7 coin.
According to the old Coinfacts website, the Newman 1-B variety was the only use of that reverse die. The engraver mistakenly punched the word ONE under the word WE; upon realizing his mistake, he punched an A over the O and an R over the N, left the E alone, then completed the rest of the wording. Early states of the reverse are perfect, with no visible clash marks. Later, clear "ghosts" of the exergue line and some of the letters of MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS appear at the top of the reverse. Also, early states of the obverse are perfect, with no visible clash marks. Later states show doubled clash marks developing on the upper right side of the obverse.
So given that information about the 1-B variety, coupled with the higher rarity values of the other obverse 1 varieties, my guess is the Newman 1-B is the earliest die combination and therefore the earliest production Fugio.
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The 1-Z has historically been known as the Production Pattern Piece since it combines the "Cross After Date" Obverse with the Raised Rim reverse. My guess would be that the American Congress (1-CC) was the first of the Fugio's struck, but they probably were not meant (or chosen for) for normal circulation as two of the three known are in very high grade (though they are not UNCs). Since the Z reverse is known with later dies (12+19) it is most likely that it was used very early, put away and brought out later much like the C reverse in the NJ Copper series (The so called Pattern Reverse.) Though I would suggest that the rarity of the other 1 obverse combinations does not have much to do with which is the first variety struck since in the NJ series all the varieties that could have been struck first are all R-7+/R-8.
From a standpoint of die states, I do not believe the 1-Z comes with clashing on the obverse (Though it is so rare, I only have a few pictures of the variety). The 1-B comes with a die break and major clashing in its later state suggesting the 1-Z was struck before the 1-B, but was the 1-Z intended for circulation or was it a test/trial strike. Though most colonials are looked at in a 1-1.5% survival rate and with that said that would mean they struck somewhere around 1000 1-Zs if we are going on the survival rates. That kind of number would suggest made for circulation IMHO. (of course for all we know, there were only 10 1-Zs struck and they all exist today...)
Newman 1-Z's accepted status as the Production Pattern Piece is interesting and news to me.
Reverse die B was also used on Newman obverses 8 (probably an R-3 coin) and 11 (probably an R-4 coin).
I focused on these rarity ratings because I thought they would give some indication of intended and actual use.
But my guess that Newman 1-B is the earliest die combination for a production Fugio is just that - a guess.
<< <i>NewEnglandRarities - Thanks for your comments.
Newman 1-Z's accepted status as the Production Pattern Piece is interesting and news to me.
Reverse die B was also used on Newman obverses 8 (probably an R-3 coin) and 11 (probably an R-4 coin).
I focused on these rarity ratings because I thought they would give some indication of intended and actual use.
But my guess that Newman 1-B is the earliest die combination for a production Fugio is just that - a guess. >>
Hey MLC,
That is the accepted name for 1-Z as given to it by Newman(? I think ?) In most cases, rarity does have something to do with how many were actually struck/which varieties were meant for general circulation, etc.
With that said, that does not mean that the 1-Z was actually made as a "pattern". Based on the die state info alone it is hard not to believe that the 1-Z was struck before the 1-B (only early die state seen on 1-Z with later clashing die state on the 1-B). It is however, totally believable that the 1-B was struck first (since it is known in early die state as well) then the 1-Z was struck, then they struck more 1-Bs creating the later die states. This is commonly found in the NJ copper series. This is assuming that the 1-Z was actually made for normal circulation.
if the 1-Z was made as a "production pattern" then I would agree with you that the 1-B is the first Fugio struck for normal distribution. I dont think we could ever prove it though!
1-CC
1-Z
1-B
1-L
Of course, we are making a big assumption here that no other varieties (using different obverses) were struck between those struck using obverse 1. I'm sure the bust silver people would have a field day with that assumption.
Ed. S.
(EJS)
<< <i>
Of course, we are making a big assumption here that no other varieties (using different obverses) were struck between those struck using obverse 1. I'm sure the bust silver people would have a field day with that assumption. >>
That was basically what I was trying to say. It is impossible to know if they struck say the 2-C in between the 1-CC and the 1-L. In other state copper series it is clearly evident that they struck other varieties between striking of one die variety based on die states.
<< <i>In the past few years, EAC has been publishing Michael McLaughlin's study on Fugio die states. Information on obverse 1 was in the September 2009 issue, starting on page 259. To make it simple, he has the die emission sequence as:
1-CC
1-Z
1-B
1-L
Of course, we are making a big assumption here that no other varieties (using different obverses) were struck between those struck using obverse 1. I'm sure the bust silver people would have a field day with that assumption. >>
Sounds good and is a first step towards answering the question...Which one was struck for normal production, aka normal every day commerce? Sounds like it is the 1-B or maybe the 1-Z so far.
To expand on the conversation a hair, who knows the surviving population of the 1-CC and general sales info? Thanks!
Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners.
Edited to add: Actually, the Norweb example appeared later in an obscure auction in the early 2000s where it was purchased by its current owner. It did trade privately at least once between 1988 and when it was auctioned again.
<< <i>There are currently 3 known examples of the 1-CC. The two that have come to public market most recently are the Norweb example (AU58) and the Garrett example (MS60 but lacquered.). Both are currently in major collections. There has not been a major auction appearance of one since 1988. >>
To add to that, from PCGS CoinFacts:
Nov-1988 Bowers & Merena Norweb Collection Part 3 Lot #3516 Ex. Brand-Parmelee; Mehl (1937) sold for $63,800
Sep-1980 Bowers & Ruddy Garrett Collection Part 3 Lot#1495 Ex. Parsons; Bushnell; Frossard sold for $17,500
I'm sure this may be a lay up for you guys but..........
Q- Design wise where did the Fugio's use of the sun and rays come from?
No googling!
MJ
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
<< <i>A little Fugio trivia
I'm sure this may be a lay up for you guys but..........
Q- Design wise where did the Fugio's use of the sun and rays come from?
No googling!
MJ >>
The sundial wouldnt work without the sun above..
If you are asking what other coin shows this before the Fugio (other than the Continental Dollar), I do not know.
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
OK, I cheated a little.
<< <i>A little Fugio trivia
I'm sure this may be a lay up for you guys but..........
Q- Design wise where did the Fugio's use of the sun and rays come from?
No googling!
MJ >>
Clueless, but very interested.
Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners.
Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners.
"At the first Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, George Washington used a chair which had a sun-with-rays designed carved on the back. Franklin, who was in attendance, became enthralled with the design during the convention, and at its successful conclusion he was heard to say, "It is a rising and not a setting sun." This sun-with-rays design from Washington's chair is virtually identical to the Fugio's pointed ray design, and thus may very well have been the inspiration and model for the Fugio sun and rays."
Plausible.............MJ
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners.
<< <i>According to Alan Kessler who wrote The Fugio Coppers offers this as an explaination:
"At the first Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, George Washington used a chair which had a sun-with-rays designed carved on the back. Franklin, who was in attendance, became enthralled with the design during the convention, and at its successful conclusion he was heard to say, "It is a rising and not a setting sun." This sun-with-rays design from Washington's chair is virtually identical to the Fugio's pointed ray design, and thus may very well have been the inspiration and model for the Fugio sun and rays."
Plausible.............MJ >>
Thats really cool info. I have never heard that before!
<< <i>
<< <i>According to Alan Kessler who wrote The Fugio Coppers offers this as an explaination:
"At the first Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, George Washington used a chair which had a sun-with-rays designed carved on the back. Franklin, who was in attendance, became enthralled with the design during the convention, and at its successful conclusion he was heard to say, "It is a rising and not a setting sun." This sun-with-rays design from Washington's chair is virtually identical to the Fugio's pointed ray design, and thus may very well have been the inspiration and model for the Fugio sun and rays."
Plausible.............MJ >>
Thats really cool info. I have never heard that before! >>
I have the Kessler book and it does indeed include this on page 3. It also notes that a photograph of the chair can be found in the following reference:
Philosopher of Dissent, Benj. Franklin, National Geographic, Vol. 148, No. 1, pp. 93-122, July 1975. Photograph of Washington's chair, p. 122.
Guess I should read this book from cover to cover instead of just using it for specific research.
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
<< <i>When I mentioned this to John from CRO he thought I was just drunk. I may have been, but this kind of stuff sticks to my grey matter regardless................MJ >>
I thought you were just drunk too! Why do you think I went and looked it up?
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
I'm a big fan of the Sunface chair. It's still at Independence Hall, and I've seen it on display there a few times, including the trips I'd take as a little kid. It was always impressive.
Problem with this theory, however: the 1776 Continental dollar and related currency issues were released in the late winter/early spring of 1776. The chair was made in 1779 -- Washington sat in it for the Constitutional Convention, not the Continental Congress.
Some pictures of the sunface chair
In terms of the OP's question, I'm sure the 1-CC was first struck, and I get into why in the historical introduction of Newman's 2008 book on Fugios -- the first design called for all the states to be mentioned, but they later realized that wasn't practical on a coin that size. The rest of McLaughlin's emission sequence is probably correct for obverse 1, but I'm not convinced there weren't multiple presses working at once potentially.
Now you know why I try to always have at least one Cross After Date Fugio in stock -- the first obverse from our first Federal copper! They're special, historic coins.
Betts medals, colonial coins, US Mint medals, foreign coins found in early America, and other numismatic Americana
<< <i>Problem with this theory, however: the 1776 Continental dollar and related currency issues were released in the late winter/early spring of 1776. The chair was made in 1779 -- Washington sat in it for the Constitutional Convention, not the Continental Congress. >>
Party pooper.