1776 Continental Dollar Value & Price Guide

In 1776, while the Continental Congress was debating independence and George Washington was trying to hold an army together, someone authorized the striking of a coin. It bore the word FUGIO (Latin for "I fly," referring to time), a sundial, the date 1776, and the motto MIND YOUR BUSINESS. On the reverse, 13 linked rings represented the colonies. It was not the dollar that won the war. But it was the dollar that said a new nation was serious about being a nation.

Quick Value Summary

• Item: 1776 Continental Dollar

• Year: 1776

• Category: Coins (Colonial and Early American)

• Condition Range (Pewter examples):

  • About Good (AG-3): $12,000 - $20,000
  • Good (G-4): $20,000 - $35,000
  • Very Good (VG-8): $35,000 - $60,000
  • Fine (F-12): $60,000 - $100,000
  • Very Fine (VF-25): $100,000 - $200,000
  • Extremely Fine and above: $200,000 - $500,000+

• Silver examples: $500,000 - $1,800,000 (only two silver "EG FECIT" examples known)

• Record Sales: A silver example from the Eric P. Newman Collection has been valued above $1,800,000

• Rarity: Pewter versions: Scarce to Rare (perhaps 100-200 known). Silver versions: Unique to Extremely Rare.

The Story

The exact circumstances of the Continental Dollar's creation remain debated more than 250 years later. What is known: the coins were struck in 1776, likely in or around Philadelphia. They exist in three metals: pewter (most common), brass (scarce), and silver (extremely rare). The designer is unknown, though Benjamin Franklin has been proposed based on the FUGIO motto and sundial design, which he had used in earlier publications.

The "CURRENCY" spelling on most examples is notable because it appears as "CURENCY" on some varieties, an apparent misspelling that has fascinated numismatists. The most common theory is that this was simply an error by the die engraver, though some have proposed it was intentional.

Some examples bear the inscription "EG FECIT" (Latin for "EG made it") within the sundial circle, attributed to engraver Elisha Gallaudet. The EG FECIT variety is significantly rarer than the standard variety.

The Continental Dollar's purpose is also debated. Some historians believe they were proposed as actual circulating coinage to back Continental paper currency. Others argue they were patterns (trial pieces) never intended for circulation. The truth may lie somewhere between: they were likely an aspirational attempt at coinage by a government that did not yet have the infrastructure to produce coins at scale.

What is not debated is their significance. The Continental Dollar is one of the earliest tangible artifacts of American monetary sovereignty. It predates the US Mint (established 1792) by 16 years and represents the Revolutionary generation's ambition to create a functioning nation.

How to Identify One

• Obverse: A sundial with the word "FUGIO" and the date "1776." Below the sundial: "MIND YOUR BUSINESS." Some varieties include "EG FECIT" within the sundial circle.

• Reverse: 13 linked chain rings, each containing the name of a colony. In the center: "AMERICAN CONGRESS" and "WE ARE ONE."

• Spelling variations: "CURRENCY" vs. "CURENCY" on the obverse border. Both are genuine varieties.

• Metal: Pewter (silver-gray, lighter weight), brass (yellowish), or silver (very rare). Weight varies but is approximately 19-21 grams for pewter examples.

• Size: Approximately 38mm in diameter.

• Edge: Varies by variety; some have plain edges, others have various edge ornamentations.

Common confusions:

• Fugio Cents (1787): These later coins share the sundial/FUGIO design but are smaller copper cents, not dollars. They were actually produced as circulating coins.

• Modern reproductions: Many replicas exist, some made for museum shops, others intended to deceive. Genuine examples have specific die characteristics documented by numismatic researchers. Weight, metal composition, and die diagnostics are key differentiators.

• Token copies: Various tokens and medals have been produced over the centuries using similar designs. These are not Continental Dollars.

Value by Condition

Pewter Examples:

Pewter is the most common metal for Continental Dollars, though "common" is relative. Perhaps 100-200 genuine pewter examples are known across all grades and varieties.

• About Good to Good (AG-3 to G-4): Design visible but heavily worn. Expect $12,000 to $35,000. Even in low grades, these coins carry serious value due to their historical significance.

• Very Good to Fine (VG-8 to F-12): Major design elements clear. Expect $35,000 to $100,000.

• Very Fine (VF-25): Light to moderate wear. Detail on the sundial and chain links clearly visible. Expect $100,000 to $200,000.

• Extremely Fine and Above (EF-40+): Minimal wear. These are exceptional survivors. PCGS has graded examples up to MS-64. Values from $200,000 to $500,000+ depending on variety and eye appeal.

Brass Examples: Significantly rarer than pewter. Values are typically 2-3 times pewter examples in comparable grades.

Silver Examples: Only a handful are known. The two "EG FECIT" silver examples are among the most valuable colonial American coins in existence, with estimated values of $500,000 to $1,800,000.

Authentication and Fakes

The Continental Dollar is heavily counterfeited:

• Professional authentication mandatory: Every Continental Dollar should be submitted to PCGS or NGC for authentication. Both services have extensive diagnostics for this issue.

• Metal analysis: X-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing can confirm the pewter, brass, or silver composition. Modern replicas often use different alloys.

• Die studies: Researchers have documented the known die varieties in detail. A genuine example must match a known die pair.

• Weight and diameter: Genuine examples fall within specific parameters. Replicas may deviate.

• Provenance: For coins of this value, documented ownership history significantly increases buyer confidence.

• The cookie box discovery: In 2018, a French collector purchased what turned out to be a genuine Continental Dollar for 56 euro cents at a flea market. It had been stored in a cookie box with other coins. This story illustrates both the possibility of discovery and the importance of authentication.

Where to Sell

• Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers: The premier auction houses for colonial American coinage. Their specialist departments have the expertise and client base for these coins.

• PCGS or NGC dealer networks: Both services connect sellers with dealers who specialize in colonial coinage.

• Major numismatic shows: The FUN Show and ANA conventions attract the most serious colonial coin collectors.

• Private treaty: For silver examples or exceptional pewter specimens, private sale through a specialist dealer may achieve the best results.

• Insurance and security: Coins of this value require specialized numismatic insurance and secure transport. Factor these costs into any transaction.

Not sure about the condition of yours? Upload a photo to Curio Comp for a quick estimate.

Explore More

The 1776 Continental Dollar is more than a coin. It is a declaration of intent from a nation that did not yet exist. Every surviving example is a direct link to the American Revolution and the people who risked everything to create something new. Whether you encounter one in a museum case or a cookie box, it deserves recognition.

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