From the Fugio Cent to the Frontier Penny ~ D. K. Deters

It’s hard to believe that the final penny was struck in 2025, marking the end of a 232-year production run. Last week, I was looking through some old pennies I’d saved. It made me wonder about the first American penny and what a penny was worth by the 1880s.

The Fugio cent holds the distinction of being America’s first official circulating coin. It was authorized by the Congress of the Confederation and minted in 1787, a few years before the establishment of the U.S. Mint. It is also one of the few American coins associated with Benjamin Franklin. Its imagery is very close to the designs Franklin had used earlier on the 1776 Continental Currency dollar patterns.

 

The front (obverse): A sun shining on a sundial with the word “FUGIO” (Latin for “I flee” or “I fly”), referring to time flying by or the passage of time. Beneath it appears the famous motto “MIND YOUR BUSINESS.” In the 18^th century, it meant to “pay attention to your work and responsibilities.” It serves as a reminder that time is passing, so make good use of it.

The back (reverse): Thirteen linked rings representing the original thirteen states, surrounding the words “WE ARE ONE.”

Some coin collectors consider the Fugio cent one of the most historically significant American coins because it links the Revolution, Franklin, and the birth of the federal government.

Interestingly, many Fugio cents survive today thanks to what collectors call the Bank of New York Hoard. In 1788, the bank stored several thousand Fugio cents in a keg in its basement. The coins were stored away again in 1856 and largely forgotten until the cache was rediscovered in 1926. Because many of the coins had remained untouched since the eighteenth century, hundreds survived in mint-state condition.

The coins were given to clients as souvenirs and keepsakes until 1948. At that time, only 1,641 of the coins remained. From there, many of these coins were donated or sold. The bank retained 819 of the coins.

I don’t have any relatives from New York, but it’s fun to dream that just maybe someone kept one of those coins for their family. But I digress.

Since my WIP takes place in the 1880s, it’s worth noting that by then a penny still had real, if modest, buying power in towns across the American West.

      

By 1880, Americans had seen several variations of the penny, but the Indian Head cent was the penny of the day. Interestingly, the front profile of the Indian Head cent actually depicts Lady Liberty wearing a Native American feather headdress. The Philadelphia Mint produced 16,231,200 of these coins in 1880, compared to the 398,577 Fugio cents struck in 1787.

On the frontier, a purchase depended heavily on where you were. Remote posts often ran on barter and credit.

While a penny wouldn’t buy a meal, it still mattered in daily exchanges. In that sense, the humble cent wasn’t just currency—it was a measure of the ordinary moments in the Old West.

(The following prices aren’t exact for every town.)

Everyday Small Goods

• Stick of candy – 1¢ to 2¢
• Handful of penny candy – 1¢ to 3¢
• Matches (single or small bundle) – 1¢ to 5¢
• Lead pencil (cheap) – 1¢ to 3¢
• Sheet of writing paper – 1¢
• Envelope – 1¢ 

---

Food Staples (small amounts)

• Cup of coffee (in a town shop or counter) – 5¢
• Hard biscuit or roll – 1¢ to 3¢
• Small piece of cheese – 3¢ to 10¢
• Salt pork (small cut) – 5¢ to 15¢
• Beans (by the scoop) – 3¢ to 10¢

---

Tobacco & Personal Goods

• Chewing tobacco (pinch or plug slice) – 2¢ to 10¢
• Pipe tobacco (small measure) – 5¢ to 15¢
• Basic soap bar – 3¢ to 10¢
• Simple handkerchief – 5¢ to 15¢

These were small comforts, but they were part of everyday life in a cash-poor frontier economy.

Resources:

https://web.archive.org/web/20161017224536/http://www.coins.nd.edu/ColCoin/ColCoinIntros/Fugio.intro.html

https://web.archive.org/web/20140701221227/http://hlrc.com/articles/09132013.pdf

Root Beer Float Anyone?

Post by Doris McCraw

aka Angela Raines

Image (C) Doris McCraw

How many remember the Root Beer Float? It was a summer favorite where I grew up. Recently, I had the pleasure of doing some research on the subject. Here are some interesting facts. But first, we must set the stage.

In late 1890, Bob Womack found gold in the Cripple Creek area. By 1891, the strike was verified, and the rush was on.

By 1896, Coors had started selling his beer in a store he purchased for that purpose. Prior to this, many miners brewed their own spirits. There was even a root beer called Myers Avenue Red, brewed in the area.

Now, we come to the Root Beer Float.

In August 1893, Frank J. Wisner was looking out at night and saw the snowcap on a dark mountain, Cow Mountain to be exact. It reminded him of vanilla ice cream in a dark liquid. The next day, he put vanilla ice cream into the Myers Avenue Red root beer. He called it the Black Cow.

The other story says Wisner saw the snowcap on Cow Mountain, which reminded him of the black-and-white cow. Hence the name Black Cow.

Now, here's the question. Was Frank J. Wisner in Cripple Creek, Colorado, in August of 1893? Did he own the Cripple Creek Brewing Company in Cripple Creek, Colorado? 

The evidence seems to suggest the answer to those questions may be 'no'. Perhaps the most telling piece of the puzzle. His family called him a flim-flam man.

As with all legends, there may be elements of truth. I leave it to you whether you want to believe the story or do further research.

Still, it's a great story and can give Colorado another first. 

Until next time.

Stay safe - Doris

Angela Raines - Amazon

Doris A. McCraw - Amazon 

In 1869, Wyoming Shocked America by Letting Women Vote

In Wyoming Territory, women didn’t have room for fainting couches. They ran boarding houses, filed homestead claims, managed ranches while husbands were on cattle drives, and taught school in one-room buildings with coal stoves.

So it’s no surprise that a strong woman, Esther Hobart Morris, helped change history in the rugged mining towns of the West long before women across America won the right to vote.

Morris lived in South Pass City, a rough gold-rush town filled with miners, saloons, and muddy streets. At the time, women in the United States had almost no political power. They couldn’t vote, hold most public offices, or influence the laws that shaped their lives.

Morris believed that needed to change. When the Wyoming Territory debated whether women should have the right to vote, she supported the idea and spoke openly about equality. Territorial leaders eventually passed a groundbreaking law—granting women the right to vote in 1869. Wyoming became the first place in the United States to do this. The law was signed by John Allen Campbell, and it sparked national attention.

Morris didn’t stop there. In 1870, she became the first woman in the United States to serve as a justice of the peace, helping settle disputes and uphold the law in South Pass City. Her role proved that women could serve in positions of authority just as capably as men.

Thus, a Wyoming woman in the 1870s could walk into a polling place, argue her opinion, and go home. The men adapted because on the frontier, survival depended on respect. Strength wasn’t intimidating. It was necessary.

Wyoming became known as the Equality State. Decades later, when the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution granted women the right to vote nationwide, Wyoming had already been allowing women to vote for more than 50 years.

On the frontier, where people often had to build new communities from scratch, bold ideas sometimes took root first. I am thankful that Esther Hobart Morris was brave enough to stand up for a women’s right to vote.

 

Cowboy Kisses News ~ Julie Lence

 

Good Morning Cowboy Kisses Readers & Authors. To keep you up-to-date with blog happenings,  Amanda A. Brooks is on hiatus until further notice. Her 9-5 job is keeping her extra busy, and rather than leave the group and take a chance there won't be a slot for her when she can return (she really doesn't want to leave us), a hiatus is the best thing for her and for us. I will let you know when she resumes dazzling you with her blogs. 

Thank you! 

Julie        

Character Interview with Barbie Bennett ~ Julie Lence

 

On a warm, spring afternoon in Reno, Nevada, I’m visiting with pop music star and CEO of Bella Cosmetics, Barbie Bennett. Exiting the elevator into Bella’s newly renovated offices of charcoal grey and raspberry, Barbie’s niece and assistant, Tina, strides toward me, a red skirt swishing around her knees and the hum of typewriters and hushed voices wafting behind her.  After a warm greeting, Tina leads the way to Barbie’s office; a large room with the same grey and raspberry colors, floor-to-ceiling windows offering a stunning view of the mountains outside of town, and an over-stuffed sofa and chairs grouped around a coffee table. Seated in one of the chairs is Barbie Bennett. Long dark hair, flawless makeup, and a blue pin-striped suit tailored to fit her slim figure, Barbie’s smile puts to ease any jitters I may have regarding the famed singer. Tina is quick to make introductions and point me to a chair, then she leaves and Barbie turns her attention my way.         

 ‘Thank you for meeting with me today, Ms. Bennett.’

‘Please, call me Barbie.’

‘All right,’ I swallow nervously. Afterall, she is famous world-wide. ‘Barbie, can you tell my readers a little about yourself? Please?’

A small crease in her brow, she lifts a silver coffee carafe off a tray on the table before us and pours coffee into two cups. ‘I’m not sure what I can tell your readers that hasn’t already been printed about me.’ She sets the pot down, pushes the creamer and sugar my direction, and a platter of pastries, which I decline, even though they look sinfully delicious. ‘Everyone knows I have a twin sister—Bailey. She’s a big star in country music.’ She fixes her coffee then, with cup in hand, sinks back into the chair’s cushions. ‘We grew up on a ranch outside of Reno with our six older brothers. They’re all married now, with children of their own. Mom and Dad still live on the ranch, along with our several head of cattle and numerous horses. Almost everyone in the family rides, and alongside our ranch hands, we have three barns to house most of the horses. The others are housed at my brothers’ private barns. A smile spreads across her heart-shaped face. Zach works the ranch. He and I have been together ever since the afternoon he rescued me at the Cheyenne Frontier Days.’              

‘When was that? And how did he rescue you?’

‘Four years ago. At the time I didn’t know, but Zach was a bull rider. He was at Frontier Days to compete in the rodeo. I was there to sing. My tour bus and trucks had just pulled in to the back lot when my crew decided to go in search of turkey legs, including my bodyguard, Seth. I wasn’t hungry, so I decided to walk behind the chutes and pens housing small animals. Two days on the tour bus and I really needed to stretch my legs.’ She pauses for a sip of coffee. ‘Anyway, my ex was there, which I didn’t know. He and I didn’t part on good terms.’ She grips the cup, and hard. ‘He came up behind me, accused me of sabotaging his career—he’s a musician. I tried to get away, but he grabbed my arm and yanked me to him. That’s when Zach pulled him off me and shoved him to the ground. Before I could react, Seth appeared and squired be back to the bus. Later, I sent Seth in search of Zach, to ask him to join me for supper.’       

‘How did that go?’

Her eyes twinkling, a blush creeps into her cheeks. ‘He was… I was…’ She swallows hard. ‘I don’t remember what we ate, but I can tell you, I wanted him to kiss me. So much, I actually ached for his touch, which surprised and scared me. As I said, my ex and I didn’t part on good terms. He broke my trust and my heart, so much that another relationship was the last thing I wanted. But Zach was different. He was every bit the cowboy; polite, quiet, and so gosh-darn handsome. And those muscles…’  She sighs dreamily. ‘He’s still all of those things. There isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not thankful I met him the following afternoon behind the chutes.’         

‘How would you describe Zach?’

‘Honest, hard-working, loyal; someone you’d want for a friend. Lucky me, I’m the one who has his heart.’ 

‘How would Zach describe you?’

 ‘A total mess.’ She emits a small laugh. ‘Anxiety-ridden, spoiled, stubborn, demanding to a fault… Sometimes, I can’t believe he willingly puts up with all of that, but he does. And I love him more than words can say.’    

‘What is your biggest fear?’

‘Losing Zach. He’s everything to me, the one person except for Bailey who knows me better than I know myself. He keeps me grounded, and warms my heart every time he smiles my way. The fame and fortune; I’d give it all up in a heartbeat. But not him. There’s no living without him.’

‘How do you relax?’

‘Friday nights, I snuggle against Zach on the couch in my suite at Ringo’s, the family casino. The lights are low, soft music plays on the radio, and with his arms around me, that’s the best way to forget the tension and stress of the week.’ 

 ‘Where do you see yourself in 5 years?’

‘With Zach. Hopefully, in our own home either on Bennett Ranch or in town. I see him promoted to one of the three foreman we have and me continuing to find ways for Bella to remain successful while singing at the casino.

 ‘I can positively say I and my readers wish you and Zach all the best. The way you glow when talking about him, I’m certain you’ll have that home with him in less than five years.’

 Blushing, she ducks her head. ‘Thank you.’

‘Thank you for taking time out of your day to talk with me. And for those of you who haven’t read Barbie and Zach’s story, pop on over to Amazon and grab a copy of, The Pop Star Loves Her Cowboy. You’ll be glad you did!’

 www.amazon.com/dp/B0FG48TFYH

 

 

Blue Moon Cowboy

 

It's almost release day for Blue Moon Cowboy!

When I saw the cover for sale from one of my favorite designers, I knew I had to have it. She'd put "Blue Moon Cowboy" as the title as a placeholder, but I loved it.

 
So, I decided to write a story to match the cover, and ended up using an older couple who had no intention of falling in love.

Once in a Blue Moon is such a fun phrase. Did you know it's been kicking around for more than 400 years?

The earliest known recording of a "blue moon" appeared in a 1528 pamphlet by William Roy and Jerome Barlowe. Back then, saying "the moon is blue" was synonymous with something completely impossible or untrue—much like saying "pigs can fly."

By the 19th century, the phrase began shifting to mean something highly unlikely but possible. This is because massive volcanic eruptions (such as Krakatoa in 1883) and forest fires (like the 1951 Canadian wildfires) threw dust and smoke high into the atmosphere, which really did make the moon appear pale blue.

The Maine Farmers' Almanac popularized the term in the 19th century, defining a "blue moon" as the third full moon in a season that contained four instead of the usual three.

Regardless of where or when the term originated, it sure fits the cowboy in my story.

He’s spent decades guarding his heart.

She’s spent a lifetime chasing the horizon.

Neither of them were prepared for love to catch them by surprise.

Widower Jason Price isn’t looking for romance. As a trusted pickup man for the Rockin’ K Rodeo Company, part-owner of his family’s ranch, and a proud grandpa, his days—and his heart—are already full. Love is for younger folks with fewer scars and more time.

Photographer Lainey Collins traded corporate life for the open road, capturing the faces and stories of everyday people. Living out of her travel van, she’s built a life of freedom, purpose, and just enough distance to keep her heart safe.

But when a chance meeting at a rodeo puts her in Jason’s orbit, everything begins to shift.

As Lainey sets out to create a book featuring the faces of the rodeo, she finds herself returning again and again—to the arena… and to Jason. What begins as a project turns into something deeper as sparks fly, laughter comes easy, and two guarded hearts start to open.

Falling in love is one thing.

But trusting it—and daring to build a future—is another.

Can a cowboy who’s learned to live without love and a woman who’s always kept moving finally find a place to belong… together?

Coming June 4!

USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield grew up on a farm where her childhood brimmed with sunshine, hay fever, and an ongoing supply of learning experiences.

Today, Shanna draws on her rural roots to create sweet and wholesome romances filled with hope, humor, quirky small-town characters, realistic heroes, and women of strength. Her historical westerns have been described as historically accurate, blending facts with engaging fiction, while her contemporary works have been called laugh-out-loud funny, swoony, and heartwarming.

When this award-winning author isn’t writing or testing out new recipes (she loves to bake!), Shanna hangs out at home in the Pacific Northwest with her beloved husband, better known as Captain Cavedweller.

To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her website.

Update on The Falcon

By Kristy McCaffrey

THE FALCON, Book Twelve in my Wings of the West series, has a new release date of 9/22/26.

One goal I had was to tie it back to THE WREN (Book One), to create a satisfying bookend to the entire series, since THE FALCON will be the last book. THE FALCON features Josie, the daughter of Molly Hart Ryan from THE WREN, and the two women are very much alike.

It’s taken me longer than I’d planned to find the threads that connect the two stories, but I've finally got a handle on the recursiveness I've been searching for, and now I just need to write it. (Hint: it involves the backstories of both Molly and her husband, Matt.)

If you preordered at Apple Books or Nook, then you're fine. No need to do anything. Your e-book will be delivered to your e-reader on the new date.

If you preordered from Amazon, unfortunately your order has been cancelled. Amazon only allows a change of one month. No worries, though. You were never charged. When the book releases in September, it will of course be available on Amazon, and you'll be able to purchase it then. (Which I hope you will!!)

On release day, the book will also be available at Kobo and Google Play Books, as well as Everand and Kobo Plus.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. I think it will be worth the wait!

 The Falcon by Kristy McCaffrey
Wings of the West: Book 12
Coming September 22, 2026

Mexico

December 1899 

Josie Ryan’s connection to Texas runs deep, from the land to an almost preternatural kinship with the animals in the wild. This bond has led her to the edge of life and death, from saving a boy caught in a fire when she was eleven years old to being struck by lightning to a mountain lion attack that almost ended her life. The discovery of an abandoned falcon chick leads to a fierce attachment, but with only intuition to guide her, Josie struggles to train the wildest creature she’s ever encountered. When she learns of a man who could help, she’s determined to gain an introduction. 

Mateo Almirón, El Halconero—The Falconer—and Argentine gaucho, is tasked with delivering two prized purebred Criollo mares to Matt Ryan, a man whose reputation casts a long shadow. Years ago, Ryan saved the life of Mateo’s father, and the horses will settle the longstanding debt, but when the exchange goes wrong, Mateo is entrusted with protecting Ryan’s daughter, Josie. Now Mateo and Josie must hide in the mountains of Northern Mexico where stories abound of Josie’s mother, a woman who lived among the Comanche and rose from the dead. 

But in a place alive with superstition, Josie and her untamed falcon will give rise to a new legend …

Josie is the youngest child of Matt and Molly from THE WREN.

* * * * *

Available for pre-order from Nook and Apple Books.

(It will also be available at Amazon, Kobo, Google Play Books, and in paperback on release day.)

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