Finding a high-grade example of America’s first federally authorized coin is exciting. However, discovering one with a dramatic mint error is something else entirely. This 1787 Fugio cent delivers both, and then some. Could it be the first US Error Coin?
In fact, coins like this do not just appear. They demand attention. And this one tells a story that stretches back to the earliest days of the United States Minting experiment.
The Coin: A Remarkable Mint Error in Mint State
1787 Fugio Cent. Pointed Rays. Newman 11-B – Double Struck – MS-63 BN (PCGS)
At first glance, this coin stands out for its preservation. MS-63 Brown examples of Fugio cents are already scarce. Yet this piece goes further. It exhibits a bold and highly visible double strike on both sides.
The second strike sits off-center. On the obverse, it appears at approximately 8:30. On the reverse, it shifts to around 10 o’clock. As a result, both impressions remain partially visible. Even more impressively, the coin shows two full dates and two distinct sun faces.
The surfaces are equally compelling. They appear satiny and well-preserved. Traces of faded rose-red color still survive. Meanwhile, steel-brown and golden-olive tones dominate the patina. A thin planchet void in the right obverse field of the first strike serves as a useful diagnostic marker.
Why This Coin Is Extraordinary
Double-struck Fugio cents are rare. However, examples in Mint State are virtually unheard of.
Typically, early copper coins circulated heavily. Therefore, most known error pieces show wear. This coin breaks that pattern. It combines strong technical quality with a dramatic minting mistake. That pairing elevates it into elite territory.
Moreover, the double strike is not subtle. It is bold. It is easily visible without magnification. Consequently, it offers both visual appeal and technical significance.
The Newman 11-B Variety and Its Rarity
The coin belongs to the Newman 11-B variety, one of the scarcer issues within the Fugio cent series.
Importantly, this variety is associated with the famous Bank of New York Hoard. A 1948 census recorded only 60 known examples of Newman 11-B. That number underscores its scarcity.
This specific coin also carries pedigree significance. It appears plated on page 70 of Jeff Rock’s 2016 update to Fugio Copper Notes by Rob Retz. There, it is described as a spectacular multiple offset strike with an early reverse die state.
However, careful examination reveals faint clash marks. These appear in the obverse field around both dates. Still, the clashing remains light. Therefore, the die state is earlier than Newman C.
The Bank of New York Hoard: A Foundational American Treasure
To understand this coin fully, one must understand the Bank of New York Hoard.
Shortly after the Fugio cents were struck in 1787, a large quantity remained unused. These coins eventually came into the possession of the Bank of New York, an institution founded by Alexander Hamilton.
For decades, the coins sat undisturbed. Then, in the mid-19th century, the hoard was rediscovered. Many pieces entered the numismatic market, often in unusually high grades for early American copper.
This hoard shaped modern understanding of Fugio cents. It preserved varieties that might otherwise have vanished. It also explains why certain examples, like Newman 11-B, survive in collectible condition.
A Closer Look at the Minting Error
The double strike on this coin offers insight into early minting practices.
First, the coin received its initial strike. Then, it shifted position before a second strike occurred. Because the strikes are offset, both impressions remain visible.
Notably, the error affects both obverse and reverse. That detail adds complexity and desirability. It also confirms that the coin was struck twice under misaligned conditions rather than being damaged later.
Major mint errors from the Fugio series are exceedingly rare. When they do appear, they rarely combine clarity, strength, and preservation like this example.
Condition, Eye Appeal, and Collector Significance
This coin grades MS-63 BN (PCGS). That designation alone places it among the finest Fugio cents available.
However, condition is only part of the story. The eye appeal is exceptional. The surfaces remain hard and original. The color displays depth and variation. Meanwhile, the bold error creates immediate visual impact.
For collectors, this piece checks every box:
- Scarce variety
- Hoard association
- Major mint error
- Mint State preservation
- Strong visual appeal
As a result, it stands as one of the most desirable Newman 11-B examples known.
A Coin That Should Not Exist
Coins like this challenge expectations.
Early American copper rarely survives in high grade. Mint errors from the period are even rarer. Yet this coin delivers both in a single piece.
It offers a snapshot of 1787. It shows the realities of early minting. At the same time, it connects directly to the Bank of New York Hoard and the financial foundations of the United States.
In short, this is not just a coin. It is a historical artifact with personality, drama, and undeniable presence.
I cant imagine owning something like that. NICE COIN
That’s an amazing piece.
Proof that error coins have existed for a very long timez
Very interesting article.
What an amazing coin and article.
Neat coin!
I have never really understood the appeal of error coins except for the rarity. Then again, I shouldn’t complain about my collection of Billy Ripken 1989 Fleer baseball cards.
Wonderful coin and a fascinating story.
Very interesting coin.
Unbelievable!
Makes me wonder how much a Fugio cent would be worth today!
Proof that error coins have been made for a long time!
extremely rare example of an already rare coin
Truly rare finds are amazing insights into the skills and creativity of those who have lived before us.
Amazing coin!!
The Fugio cent is one of my “bucket list” coins. This example is over the top with the error present. Very nice!
Examining the coin as well as its capsule, this is the nicest example I’ve ever seen…the genuine error is a substantial bonus.
Interesting article on the 1787 Fugio Cent. Wish I ccould afford to add such a coin to my collection..
I’m curious if it is in a private collection?
No one has commented on this yet? Is it because of the date? Or are they just not showing up for me?
This is a unique piece of history and an error coin at that. Imagine finding that after this many years after it was minted.
great info thanks
Amazing old coin, love to win
Truly a first of a first….amazing!
You would think someone at the bank would have noticed the error when the coin was first shipped there!
Unbelievably awesome
What a great coin! Thanks for the article
That’s an awesome coin
Beautiful
nice looking coin
Wow! This is an incredible coin!
It is amazing that it survived so long in this condition
That’s one of the most fascinating coins I’ve seen in a long time.
I thought this was a hoax. Too good to be true. I wonder what the pedigree of this coin is.
Great info on a great coin.
Hordes are interesting in themselves
Remarkable coin and interesting story.
Great Article! I wish I had coins like these in my collection!
Double strikes that are that far off between strikes are so awesome. Not like a lot of them that are not jump out at you obvious.
All I can say is wow!!!
Appreciate a double struck, or off center, or wrong planchet and pretty much any type of error coins.
A double struck Fugio cent……never heard of it before..Cool
TY
Very neat coin!
Absolutely stunning and such a nice example!!
Amazing!!! How this beauty survived and how well it was preserved is spectacular!!! An absolute stunner of US History!!
Wow, that is incredible!
I am speechless! Good luck everybody!
A beautiful piece of history ❤️
Rare coin type AND a mint error: win-win!
I have never seen anything like this before. Amazing!
Just beautiful!
This is absolutely amazing! Great article too!
One of the reasons I love coinweek is bec
an incredibly rare find
the value on this must be astronomical
Cool
I guess the likelihood of ever finding one of these coins is zero to none but even if it’s zero to a billion I will keep looking because this coin is one of the most beautiful copper coins I have ever laid my eyes on. Wouldn’t it be cool if I ran across one real soon. What do you suppose it’s worth would be now in the 1926 era of collecting this coin?
Never heard of a Fugio Cent before. Looks really different from our coins today.
Great back story.
History is so cool!
This should be in a museum.
You never know if these 1787 Fugio Cent. are real or made recently.
Amazing looking coin