The Fugio cent, often referred to as the Franklin cent, holds a special place in American history as the first official coin put into circulation by the United States. Minted in 1787 and composed of roughly 10 grams (0.36 oz) of copper, this coin is notable not only for its historical significance but also for its symbolic message—a message that modern entrepreneurs would be wise to revisit.
By several accounts, the coin’s design is credited to Benjamin Franklin, whose prior work on the 1776 Continental Currency dollar coin heavily influenced the Fugio cent’s visual theme. While the Continental coin never entered general circulation, the Fugio cent marked a new chapter in U.S. currency.
Authorized by the Congress of the Confederation on April 21, 1787, the Fugio cent featured an image of the sun shining down on a sundial, accompanied by the Latin word “Fugio”, meaning “I fly”—a poetic reference to the fleeting nature of time. Below the sundial was a simple yet powerful reminder: “Mind Your Business.”
This phrase, which Franklin reportedly chose intentionally, wasn’t just a clever quip. According to historians like Joshua D. Glawson, Franklin—a prolific entrepreneur and printer—likely meant “business” in the most literal, financial sense. In an era where the American economy was still in its infancy, Franklin was already urging citizens to be industrious, focused, and financially responsible.
The reverse of the coin (and of some Continental paper notes) displayed the motto “We Are One”, surrounded by thirteen chain links symbolizing the unity of the original thirteen colonies. Following the ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1788, this motto would be replaced on later coins by “E pluribus unum,” aligning the new currency with the Great Seal of the United States.
What This Means for Modern Entrepreneurs
Franklin’s “Mind Your Business” is more than historical trivia—it’s a foundational principle for anyone serious about entrepreneurship in today’s capital-driven economy.
If you want your business to grow, attract investors, and gain access to real financing, you need to move beyond the surface-level strategies and structure your business like it was built to last.
And that starts with understanding how corporate structure influences your ability to attract capital.
Want to Attract Multi-Million Dollar Business Loans?
If you’re still figuring out how to get your business funding-ready, we strongly recommend:
How To Structure Your Corporation To Attract Multi-Million Dollar Business Loans from Banks
This isn’t coaching fluff or recycled advice. It’s a step-by-step blueprint that walks you through how to:
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Choose the right entity type (hint: C-Corp is often the best for raising capital)
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Set up proper documentation and business credit
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Position your company for institutional-grade financing
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Avoid common mistakes that get businesses rejected by banks
In a world where capital is king and structure is everything, learning how to “mind your business” the right way is no longer optional—it’s essential.
Take Benjamin Franklin’s advice seriously.
Then take the next step to make your business funding-ready.
How To Structure Your Corporation To Attract Multi-Million Dollar Business Loans from Banks