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“Time flies, so mind your business.”
from the National Museum of American History
The Continental Dollar was the first pattern struck for the United States of America. Most specimens were minted in pewter, but also known are three in silver and a dozen or so in brass. It is thought that the distinctive designs were suggested by Benjamin Franklin. The reverse design, featuring linked rings, was a plea for insurgent unity, something that the philosopher-scientist constantly brought to people’s attention.
The obverse sundial motif with its Latin motto (“Fugio”) is also characteristic of Franklin. The design is a rebus, and its component parts may be read as “time flies, so mind your business.” This and other pewter specimens were apparently struck for the inspection of members of Congress, who would have to pass enabling legislation before the coinage could proceed.
[ MORE and see the coins embiggened! ]
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Old and Busted: Time flies so mind your business. New Hottness: Debt grows so close business. Genius!
jeckelmyhyde
January 23rd, 2013
Wow, the left has gone nuts over “In God We Trust”, their heads would certainly pop off over coinage that promotes hard work.
Merry Poppet
January 24th, 2013
Pretty soon we’ll be back to using pretty beads and bartering.