Remembering History: 1776 Continental Dollar. Sometime in July 1776, most probably in New York City, a distinctive new coinage, known to numismatists as the Continental Dollar, was struck in silver, brass and pewter. More than 60 survive today, of which the larger number are pewter. The coin's distinctively American designs are attributed to philosopher, almanac writer and statesman Benjamin Franklin.

1776 Continental Dollar. Sometime in July 1776, most probably in New York City, a distinctive new coinage, known to numismatists as the Continental Dollar, was struck in silver, brass and pewter. More than 60 survive today, of which the larger number are pewter. The coin's distinctively American designs are attributed to philosopher, almanac writer and statesman Benjamin Franklin.

1776 Continental Dollar. Sometime in July 1776, most probably in New York City, a distinctive new coinage, known to numismatists as the Continental Dollar, was struck in silver, brass and pewter. More than 60 survive today, of which the larger number are pewter. The coin's distinctively American designs are attributed to philosopher, almanac writer and statesman Benjamin Franklin.