The earliest coinage used in America dates back to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the 17th century.
The first officially authorized coins in the American colonies were the silver shillings, sixpences , and threepences minted in Boston between 1652 and 1682 . Notably, the mint dated all these coins with the year 1652, perhaps to mask their continuous production from English authorities . The most well-known of these coins are the Pine Tree shillings.
The [Fugio Cent] of 1787 holds the distinction of being considered the first official coin intended for circulation by the United States under the Articles of Confederation. This copper coin was authorized by the Congress of the Confederation, which was a precursor to the Second Continental Congress. Its design included the phrases “Fugio” (time flies) and “Mind your business”, along with a sun and sundial on the obverse. The reverse depicted thirteen interlinked chains representing the unity of the colonies. Benjamin Franklin is widely believed to have designed the Fugio Cent.
Later, the [U.S. Mint] , established in 1792 with the Coinage Act, delivered the first circulating coins, the copper cents, in 1793.
What is the oldest $1 coin?
The Flowing Hair dollar was the first dollar coin issued by the United States federal government. The coin was minted in 1794 and 1795; its size and weight were based on the Spanish dollar, which was popular in trade throughout the Americas.
What is the oldest coin in the USA?
Fugio cent. The Fugio cent, also known as the Franklin cent, is the first official circulation coin of the United States. Consisting of 0.36 oz (10 g) of copper and minted dated 1787, by some accounts it was designed by Benjamin Franklin.
What was the first coin in the USA?
The first coin officially produced for circulation in the United States was the Fugio cent.
What are the 4 most historic coins in the US?
I can help with that. USA’S FOUR MOST FAMOUS COINS
It features the Bicentennial half dollar with JFK obverse and Independence Hall reverse, the Washington Quarter with minuteman reverse, each dated 1776 – 1976, the famed Buffalo Nickel with Indian chief reverse, 1913 – 1938, and the Indian Head Penny minted from 1859 – 1909.