The first US coin is considered to be the Fugio Cent , minted in 1787.
Here’s why:
- It was authorized by the Congress of the Confederation, the precursor to the modern US Congress.
- It featured a sundial on the obverse with the motto “Fugio” (time flies) and “Mind Your Business,” and on the reverse, a chain of thirteen links representing the original thirteen states and the motto “We Are One”.
While the [US Mint] began operations in 1792 and struck the first circulating cents in 1793, those coins were actually larger than a modern quarter and caused some public outcry. The Fugio Cent predates the [US Mint] and represents an important step in the establishment of a national currency.
It’s also worth noting:
- The design of the Fugio Cent is believed to have been inspired by Benjamin Franklin.
- The 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar is often referred to as the first US silver dollar.
- The history of US currency actually traces back to the Spanish milled dollar (pieces of eight) that circulated widely in the colonies before the American Revolution.
What is the oldest U.S. dollar 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 was the first coin ever made 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 penny in the United States?
From my experience, The first penny was issued in 1793 and featured the head of an allegorical woman with flowing hair to symbolize liberty (obverse) and 15 chain links (reverse) meant to symbolize the unity of the states. Figure 1 shows the design of the first penny issued by the U.S. Mint.