Continental Currency, also known as the Continental Dollar, can be very lucrative or very expensive to own, depending on how you look at it. Real versions range in value from the mid-four digit to the mid-six digit dollar range based on the version, the condition and the rarity.
Unfortunately, Continental Currency also happens to have many illegal copies floating around the marketplace. Be aware that fakes exist if you want to collect this type of old coinage. On the other hand, many legal copies can be found as well. A legal copy includes an identifier noting the coin is a copy.
Let’s take a look at one. This one came within a plastic pouch with decriptive information.
Even the subtitle includes “replica” to let you know this coin has historical significance but not historical rare value.
The description provides insight into the purpose and background of the Continental Currency.
Let’s take a closer look at the coin copy. First, the reverse:
If this was an original coin in a nice grade, the details would easily show the outer circle of thirteen entertwined circles with one of the names of the original thirteen states on each small circle. The inner circle contains “American Congress” surrounding “We Are One” in the middle.
This one being a legal copy also shows “COPY” stamped into the reverse of the coin.
Now, the obverse of the copy:
This copied version shows “CONTINENTAL CURENCY 1776” where currency includes only one “R.” The circle contains “FUGIO” with a sun emitting rays over the sundial with Roman numerals in the middle and “Mind Your Business” below.
This copy represents coinage from 1776, but let’s fast forward to 2006 when the US Mint made commemorative silver dollars honoring Benjamin Franklin.
One of those dollars, called the Founding Father commemorative silver dollar, contained an image of the Continental Currency on its reverse.
Since Benjamin Franklin contributed to the design of the Continental Currency, the US Mint chose to include it on the Founding Father Commemorative Silver Dollar reverse.
But, look closely. This Continental Currency image is different from the replica version above.
First, it states “Continental Currency” with the correct, at least what we term correct today, spelling. Second, it includes the term “EG FECIT” in the same circle as FUGIO. EG FECIT supposedly is Latin meaning “EG made this” with EG being the initials of Elisha Gallaudet.
People who study Continental Currency certainly know more about the coins, but significant details can still be difficult to find about the various brass, pewter and silver Continental Currency coins from 1776.