The Fugio cent was the first official circulation coin issued by the United States in 1787.
The Confederation Congress authorized the design of an official copper penny on April 21, 1787. The coin became known as the Fugio cent because its obverse included a sundial and the Latin word “Fugio,” meaning “I fly,” referring to time passing. It also carried the phrase “Mind Your Business.”
Its reverse showed thirteen linked circles surrounding the words “United States” and the motto “We Are One.” The links represented the original thirteen states. The design drew on imagery associated with Benjamin Franklin, although claims about his direct role as designer are not certain.
The Fugio cent should not be confused with the 1776 Continental dollar. Continental dollars were pattern pieces or proposed currency and were not official circulating coins. The Fugio cent therefore occupies a special place in early national history, appearing just before the Constitution replaced the Confederation system.