Anyone else in love with the Fugio cent?

FoundingFather · October 8, 2006 8:38AM

I'm a colonial coin collector and have a special place in my heart for fugios for a variety of reasons ranging from their probable source of materials to them being, possibly, the first true American coin. Anyone else lovem'?

drwstr123 · October 8, 2006 8:43AM

Love them!

mcheath · October 8, 2006 8:46AM

i love them too. anyone who doesn't at least think they are pretty neat has to be well..... a yankees fan.

Coxe · October 8, 2006 8:49AM

Sure. I like them by die variety. They are very cool.

Fletcher should be chiming in on this one soon enough I reckon.

FoundingFather · October 8, 2006 8:55AM

Stories have it that their copper was at least partially from the copper bands around the barrels sent over by the French to aid in the War.

Coxe · October 8, 2006 9:03AM

<< Stories have it that their copper was at least partially from the copper bands around the barrels sent over by the French to aid in the War. >>

There are a lot of stories. We do know only a small part of the contract was fulfilled and it was using copper supplied by Colonel Duer to Jarvis. Reuse of of colonial token planchets ha not been substantiated last I heard. I am out of the loop some on these things though.

Fletcher · October 8, 2006 9:06AM

Definitely my favorite colonial .... after my big first purchase below, I have been silently acquiring as many of the varieties as I can. However, they are turning out to be much more elusive than I had anticipated. I was able to put a fairly signifcant complete set of CC DMPLs together in little over a year but I think that this fugio obsession of mine may take a lifetime to fulfill ... regardless of how much money I am willing to throw at it. I rather like the increased level of difficulty.

Coxe · October 8, 2006 9:11AM

Hi Fletcher! Knew you'd sniff out this thread.

I don't know of anyone who has ever completed a set of Fugios. I am sure a few are currently trying including you and yours truly. Look out for some friendly competition soon if I follow through with my liquidation of my Peace dollars.

cladking · October 8, 2006 9:17AM

FoundingFather · October 8, 2006 9:21AM

Fletcher, great point. That's another aspect they fulfill me on. Really satisfies the detailed collector bug in us, eh?

I also like the messaging and symbolism on the fugio, and the fact that it was designed by Ben Franklin. Hard to be that combo if you ask me.

mrearlygold · October 8, 2006 9:27AM

SkyMan · October 8, 2006 9:28AM

I think Fugio cents are cool!

ElKevvo · October 8, 2006 9:30AM

One day I hope to own one...I think they are one of the neatest coins ever!

K

Julio · October 8, 2006 9:31AM

What is not to like? HMMM. price. Heck, that is only a hinderance. jws

FoundingFather · October 8, 2006 9:34AM

Wow, I am surprised to see so many people dig them. When I asked this question a few years ago in this forum they were more disliked - people were calling my colonials "round slugs of dirt!" They were very used to perfect minty coins, especially mass-produced, so anything that looked circulated or brown like old copper was usually "ugly."

Coxe · October 8, 2006 9:42AM

Nah, there are a bunch of us who have been collecting Fugios. Here is my KN-4E, currently in NGC AU58 plastic.

notwilight · October 8, 2006 9:43AM

<< Definitely my favorite colonial .... after my big first purchase below, I have been silently acquiring as many of the varieties as I can. However, they are turning out to be much more elusive than I had anticipated. I was able to put a fairly signifcant complete set of CC DMPLs together in little over a year but I think that this fugio obsession of mine may take a lifetime to fulfill ... regardless of how much money I am willing to throw at it. I rather like the increased level of difficulty.

>>

I think just owning that one requires a "you suck". very nice.

FoundingFather · October 8, 2006 9:49AM

That's a great one!

Baley · October 8, 2006 9:51AM

I'd love to have one, but haven't found the right coin yet. Looking for one in Fine with no porosity.

ColonialCoinUnion · October 8, 2006 9:51AM

I rather like this one because its probably worth more raw than it is slabbed -

Coin Finder · October 8, 2006 9:58AM

I have owner serveral and loved them all. I hope to get more someday!

Tbig

MikeKing · October 8, 2006 10:12AM

<< I rather like this one because its probably worth more raw than it is slabbed -

>>

looks like a nice Fugio that I wouldn't mind owning

123cents · October 8, 2006 10:16AM

I own a lower grade Fugio Cent and really like it.

mgoodm3 · October 8, 2006 10:19AM

I like fugios. DOn't got one yet.

FoundingFather · October 8, 2006 10:21AM

VERY nice!

<< I own a lower grade Fugio Cent and really like it. >>

One of my favorite coins is a circulated low-grade fugio that I handle all the time. The strongest reason I collect colonials is because I see coins as historical artifacts and windows and contacts to real history. Colonial coins really play into this since they are not mass-produced and have a lot of rarity for the dollar and are loaded with variation and stories because each lot. Anyway, I love holding that Fugio knowing it was in the hands and used by people living through the Ratification of the Constitution and the birth of America.

Light up a joint, get out my low-grade fugio, and I'm extremely happy.

ColonialCoinUnion · October 8, 2006 10:22AM

<< Light up a joint, get out my low-grade fugio, and I'm extremely happy. >>

And you were doing so well until you typed this . . .

TwoSides2aCoin · October 8, 2006 10:27AM

Yes, the Fugio Cent is one of the coins I intend on having in a blue box. I don't have one now and it's never too late to edit posts. Especially ones that can get the whole thread pulled, fellas. Hurry, go back and take out the inappropriate stuff

Cuz the Fugio is worth it !

MrEureka · October 8, 2006 10:30AM

I rather like this one because its probably worth more raw than it is slabbed

That's strange. I like them better when they're worth more slabbed. That way, I can sell them easier.

But to avoid straying off topic, yes, I do like Fugios.

FoundingFather · October 8, 2006 10:41AM

And the phrase "Mind Your Business" is great. I know it meant something different than how that phrase is used today but I consider that a bonus!

FoundingFather · October 8, 2006 10:49AM

Oh, is the "light up a joint" line bothering people? Make that "legal medical marijuana" or "beer" if you wish!

Anyway, it's great to hold the coin. I think I own two slabbed coins - ALL the rest are raw and I touch them. Love it!

Fletcher · October 8, 2006 11:14AM

<< I rather like this one because its probably worth more raw than it is slabbed -

>>

I rather like that one as well ... so you just let me know when you want to sell it

librtyhead · October 8, 2006 11:20AM

I like them ...........but I will have to stick with condors for now............just as old and probly used more.

Fletcher · October 8, 2006 11:21AM

<< Light up a joint, get out my low-grade fugio, and I'm extremely happy. >>

Benjamin Franklin owned one of the first paper mills in America and it processed hemp ... although he was a strong proponent of temperance. I read his autobiography a few months ago.

ColonialCoinUnion · October 8, 2006 11:22AM

<< 

<< I rather like this one because its probably worth more raw than it is slabbed -

>>

I rather like that one as well ... so you just let me know when you want to sell it

>>

Sorry - I don't own it anymore.

FoundingFather · October 8, 2006 11:38AM

<>

That must have been a great read. How could it not be? I believe the Declaration of Independence is written on hemp!

Coxe · October 8, 2006 12:30PM

<< <>

That must have been a great read. How could it not be? I believe the Declaration of Independence is written on hemp! >>

Speaking of the DoI, anyone else here bidding on that Peter Force printing of it? That is an awesome lot in Heritage's manuscript sale.

coincopwife · October 8, 2006 12:36PM

Thank you for entering me in this most generous giveaway.

FoundingFather · October 8, 2006 12:37PM

Heh.

coincopwife · October 8, 2006 12:47PM

Now you've got me looking at these.

nice one

FoundingFather · October 8, 2006 1:08PM

If you let me influence you like that, people will talk.

coincopwife · October 8, 2006 1:18PM

Coxe · October 8, 2006 1:21PM

<< Now you've got me looking at these.

nice one >>

Nearly all of the UNC Fugios you'll see are from the Bank of NY hoard. They come up regularly and are plentiful relative to the demand. So buy the one you like and pass on the others. I'd say MS63 and up for those varieties is a good place. Fletcher's MS66 is by far and away the best of the bunch I have seen. He had incredible instinct to make that impulse buy. The rarer varieties are tough in even mid circ grades when they can be loacted at all.

MikeKing · October 8, 2006 1:47PM

MikeInFL · October 8, 2006 2:03PM

On my "wish" list, but not actively pursuing. Super coin...Mike

Coxe · October 8, 2006 2:21PM

<< My question is, of all those <AU, what percentage actually sirculated as money vs beein hedl as a oddety piece fondled in the pocket and /or actually use.'' >>

They were on underweight planchets and thus unpopular in commerce from the start. However, there were not vary many produced, especially considering how many tons were ordered. I suspect many ultimately were used in that void until the Mint was established.

FoundingFather · October 8, 2006 10:44PM

And ya know Ben Franklin must handled a few! Great coin during key years, handled by the Founders no doubt.

"Hey Ben, nice coin ya designed here!"

cladking · October 9, 2006 12:26AM

<< And ya know Ben Franklin must handled a few! Great coin during key years, handled by the Founders no doubt.

"Hey Ben, nice coin ya designed here!" >>

Are you sure the founders would have touched a debased modern?

cladking · October 9, 2006 12:28AM

<< 

Are you sure the founders would have touched a debased modern?

>>

How very ironic that the coin has a sundial on it and one could tell the time if the thing were properly positioned.

Conder101 · October 9, 2006 3:49AM

<< They were on underweight planchets and thus unpopular in commerce from the start. However, there were not vary many produced, especially considering how many tons were ordered. I suspect many ultimately were used in that void until the Mint was established. >>

Yes they were on underweight planchets compared to the authorized standard, but they were still heavier than most of the light weight state coinage and the contemporary counterfeit coppers in wide circulation. that's one of the reasons so few were made. While Jarvis was off in Europe trying to locate more copper he could buy on credit (He couldn't pay for it up front because he had spent all his money on a bribe to win the coinage contract.) so he could fulfill his contract, his partners were embezzling the government copper to produce light weight state coins and counterfeits which passed at the same rate but provided more profit. Jarvis was already in default on his contract since no coins beyond the initial delevery were ever made, and he had been unable to acquire any more copper so he couldn't strike any more Fugios even if he had wanted to. AND he still owed the government for the 30 tons of copper that he had borrowed on credit. He had to flee the country to avoid debtors prison.

FoundingFather · October 9, 2006 6:40AM

I know, it's just another spicy issue behind the scenes. The money trails behind the coins is another interesting aspect you could devote a few decades of research to!

Anyone else in love with the Fugio cent?

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