Not Made of Silver: Contrary to what some believe, Continental Dollars were not made of silver. They were largely struck in pewter, with a few examples in brass and silver.
Not Issued by the U.S. Government: The Continental Dollar was issued by the Continental Congress during the American Revolutionary War, before the establishment of the U.S. government.
Not Legal Tender: These coins were never officially declared as legal tender. They were intended to be a form of currency, but due to rampant counterfeiting and lack of backing, they failed to maintain their value.
Hyperinflation: The Continental Dollar suffered from extreme hyperinflation. By the end of the war, the currency had depreciated so much that it was practically worthless, giving rise to the phrase "not worth a Continental."
Design and Symbolism: The design of the Continental Dollar is rich with symbolism. The obverse features a sun dial with the motto "Fugio," meaning "I fly" in Latin, and "Mind Your Business."
Benjamin Franklin’s Influence: The design of the Continental Dollar is often attributed to Benjamin Franklin. His involvement added a level of prestige and historical significance to these coins.
Historical Significance: Despite their failure as currency, Continental Dollars are highly valued by collectors today for their historical importance as an artifact of the American Revolution.
Counterfeits and Replicas: Numerous replicas and counterfeits of the Continental Dollar exist, complicating the task of authentication for collectors.
Numismatic Rarity: Authentic Continental Dollars are rare and highly sought after by numismatists. Their value today can be quite significant, reflecting their place in early American history.