Diagnostic Controls & Presets Birth of the American Dollar (1776 Independence)
Diagnostic Forensic Readings
Forensic Attribution Diagnostic
Real-time metallurgical and die variety cross-examination verified against certified populations.
Technical Breakdown: Physics, Metallurgy & Die Diagnostics
Specific Gravity: 7.30 ± 0.15 g/cm³ (Weight: ~15.5 g to 18.0 g)
Because the Continental Congress lacked silver bullion during the outbreak of the American Revolution, dies were struck primarily in native pewter metal as emergency pattern coinage to support paper continental currency.
Reverse Device: 13 interlocking linked chain rings ('WE ARE ONE')
Named after scholar Eric P. Newman. Die sinker Elisha Gallaudet of Freehold, NJ signed his work with 'EG FECIT' ('Elisha Gallaudet made it') directly onto the outer ring of the obverse sundial.
Reverse Philosophy: 13 Colonies united as an unbreakable chain
Franklin's witty aphorism urged the fledgling nation to focus on trade and productive labor. The interlocking rings represented the perpetual unity of the 13 American colonies in their struggle for independence.
Documented Benchmark Auction Records
Ex-Eric P. Newman Collection. One of only four original silver specimens; dazzling satiny brilliance with bold 'EG FECIT' signature.
Tied for finest certified pewter dollar; completely pristine silver-gray unblemished surfaces with razor-sharp sundial hour marks.
Historic single-R spelling error specimen with light cabinet patina and clear interlocking rings named for each of the 13 colonies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 1776 Continental Currency Dollar?
The 1776 Continental Dollar was the first dollar-sized coin created for the United States, produced shortly after the Declaration of Independence in the summer of 1776. Designed with the input of Benjamin Franklin, it was struck primarily in pewter (with a tiny handful produced in silver and brass) to represent the fledgling nation's monetary independence from Great Britain.
Who designed the sundial and what does 'FUGIO' mean?
Benjamin Franklin designed the obverse motifs. It depicts a sundial with the Latin word 'FUGIO' ('I fly' or 'Time flies') and the direct moral motto 'MIND YOUR BUSINESS'. Franklin's message reminded citizens that time is precious and that industriousness and enterprise were vital to winning the Revolutionary War.
What does 'EG FECIT' stand for on the coin?
On certain die varieties (Newman 1-C), the inscription 'EG FECIT' appears on the inner ring of the sundial. This is Latin for 'EG made it' ('Elisha Gallaudet fecit'), the signature of engraver and die sinker Elisha Gallaudet of New Jersey, who also engraved the paper Continental currency notes.
What do the 13 interlocking rings on the reverse symbolize?
The reverse features 13 interlocking chain links, each inscribed with the name of one of the original 13 American colonies. At the center is the motto 'AMERICAN CONGRESS' and 'WE ARE ONE', symbolizing the unbreakable unity of the colonies fighting for freedom.
Why were most Continental Dollars struck in pewter instead of silver?
During the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress had virtually no gold or silver bullion reserves. Pewter—an alloy consisting predominantly of tin with small amounts of lead, antimony, or copper—was readily available from household tableware and local metalworkers. Only four original presentation specimens struck in silver are known to exist.
What is the 'CURENCY' spelling variety?
On die variety Newman 1-A, engraver Elisha Gallaudet mistakenly spelled 'CURRENCY' with a single letter 'R' ('CONTINENTAL CURENCY'). This spelling was corrected on subsequent dies to the standard double-R 'CURRENCY'.
How can you detect a modern counterfeit Continental Dollar?
Because thousands of inexpensive souvenir replicas have been cast in base metals for gift shops, authenticating a 1776 Continental Dollar requires careful verification: (1) Authentic pewter coins weigh approximately 15.5 to 18.0 grams with a specific gravity of ~7.3; (2) Authentic coins were struck on coin presses, showing sharp die characteristics rather than rounded, bubbly cast surfaces; (3) Edge seams are never present on authentic struck coins.