Continental Currency "Dollar" Medal
Dateca.1783
MediumBrass
DimensionsDiam: 38.5mm
Credit LineGift of the Lasser family.
Object number2007-67
DescriptionObv. - Sun at 10:00 shining on a sundial within a dentiled border. CONTINENTAL CURENCY 1776 around edge, FUGIO (I fly) within the ring surrounding sundial with MIND YOUR BUSINESS in exergue below.Rev. - Endless chain of 13 links within a beaded border. Each link of the chain inscribed with the name of one of the original 13 colonies. In center, AMERICAn. CONGRESS within a radiant circle with WE ARE ONE in e lines within the inner space.
Edge - Milled
Label TextRecent scholarship has shown that the so-called "Continental Dollars" of 1776 are not circulating, Revolutionary American coins. Produced around 1783, possibly in London, these pieces are inexpensive commemorative medals which carry designs borrowed from the February 17, 1776 fractional bills issued by the Continental Congress. At the time, the pewter examples sold for sixpence a piece. Specimens struck in silver or brass, like this example, are extremely rare.
Breen-1085, Newman 1-A
ProvenanceCollection Joseph R. Lasser
1793
1780-1810
1755-1756
1755-1756
ca. 1730
February 17, 1776
February 17, 1776