Drachmas Doubloons and Dollars: The History of Money
(Exhibition Home)
Early America
Introduction
Colonial America - The Continental Currency and State Coinage - Experiments of the Confederation Period - George Washington - Coin Patterns of 1792 - Early U.S. Cents - Early U.S. Silver and Gold
Experiments of the Confederation Period

In addition to the state coinages, in the 1780s, several new Federal designs for copper cents were issued. Because there were no laws against the private production of coinage, silver and goldsmiths like John Bailey, Ephraim Brasher and John Chalmers also struck coins for their native cities and states.
U.S. copper "Nova Constellatio" cent (1785) depicting 13 stars, representing the original Thirteen Colonies, as a new constellation around the eye of Divine Providence.
U.S. copper "Confederatio" cent (1785), depicting the personification of America trampling a crown. The inscription translates as "America, the enemy of Tyrants."
U.S. copper "Immune Columbia" cent pattern (1785). The seated Britannia copied from British coins is modified with the scales of justice and the legend "Immune Columbia," signifying the freedom of the new nation.
U.S. copper "Fugio" cent (1787) authorized by Congress, reusing the sundial and linked chain designs of the Continental Currency.
New York copper "Excelsior" cent (1787) depicting the state seal. It is believed to have been made by John Bailey, the partner of the famous New York goldsmith Ephraim Brasher (see Case 18).
Annapolis silver shilling (1783) privately produced by John Chalmers.