Collection: Proposed National Issues (1776 - 1787)

The Proposed National Issues include early coin designs intended for nationwide circulation, rather than being limited to a specific state or region. However, most of these coins never advanced beyond the pattern stage or were issued in limited quantities, with the Fugio Cent being the only one to see significant circulation.

Key Proposed National Coins

Continental Dollars (1776)

• Believed to ... Read More

The Proposed National Issues include early coin designs intended for nationwide circulation, rather than being limited to a specific state or region. However, most of these coins never advanced beyond the pattern stage or were issued in limited quantities, with the Fugio Cent being the only one to see significant circulation.

Key Proposed National Coins

Continental Dollars (1776)

• Believed to be intended as the first U.S. Dollar coin.
• Most surviving examples are struck in pewter, a metal commonly used for tokens and medals.
• Silver specimens are extremely rare, leading experts to classify them as patterns rather than circulating coinage.

Nova Constellatio Patterns (1783–1784)

• Included several denominations, all of which are unique or nearly so.
• Considered some of the most historic and valuable early U.S. coinage.

Immune Columbia & Confederatio Coppers (1785–1787)

• Generally regarded as pattern coins rather than circulating issues.
• Some share dies with New Jersey Coppers, Nova Constellatio coins, and Vermont Coppers, showing close ties among early minting efforts.

Fugio Cents (1787)

• Features Benjamin Franklin’s design, with a sundial (symbolizing time) and the motto "MIND YOUR BUSINESS".
• The reverse shows 13 interlinked rings, representing the original 13 colonies, a design later used on the 1793 Chain Cent.
• New Haven Restrikes, produced later, feature a similar reverse but are recognized as later reproductions.

Historical & Collectible Significance

• Represents early attempts at a unified U.S. coinage system before the establishment of a federal mint.
• Many of these coins are rare or exist only as patterns, making them highly desirable among collectors.
• The Fugio Cent is the most widely available and historically significant piece from this series.

Shop Rare Early U.S. Coinage at ParadimeCoins.com

At ParadimeCoins.com, we offer rare early U.S. coinage, including Continental Dollars, Nova Constellatio Patterns, Immune Columbia Coppers, and Fugio Cents. Explore these historic collectibles today!