Flying Eagle Cents (1856-1858)

Aside from collecting Morgan silver dollars, collecting small cents is likely the most common type of coin collection among coin collectors. The Flying Eagle Cents were the first coins in the Small Cents series. They were produced between 1856 and 1858. Although the series is brief, it is unexpectedly difficult to complete. The penny, which was originally called the single cent coin, was one of the first coins ever made by the US Mint in 1793.

Before the Flying Eagle cent was introduced, the U.S. Mint produced large cents, which were known for their considerable size and high production costs. The government began looking for alternative solutions in the 1850s because large cents were impractical, and the price of copper was rising. The result was a one-cent coin that was smaller and easier to use. The material was made up of a copper-nickel alloy that contained 88% copper and 12% nickel.

Design and Features

Chief Engraver James B. Longacre created the Flying Eagle cent, which has the following characteristics:

• • Obverse: A flying eagle in mid-flight, which is a detailed representation of strength and progress.
• • Reverse: The words "ONE CENT" are surrounded by a wreath made of corn, wheat, cotton, and tobacco.

Mintage and Rarity

• • 1856: It was made as a pattern coin, but an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 pieces were distributed to officials and collectors. Today, the Flying Eagle cent from 1856 is very valuable.
• • 1857: The first year of official production saw the minting of more than 17 million coins, making it the most common in the series.
• • 1858: Flying Eagle Cent is one of two major varieties that are frequently collected along with the 1856 and 1857 coins to complete a set. There are other minor varieties, but they are meant for experts. It is quite easy to tell the difference between the two primary categories: capital letters and lowercase letters.

There is a high demand for high-grade examples, particularly for coins from 1857 and 1858 that have full details. Owning a Flying Eagle penny connects you to 19th-century American history, making it appealing to collectors and history lovers.