Design and Specifications of the Flying Eagle Cent
The Flying Eagle Cent was a short-lived series that marked the transition from large cents to small cents in U.S. coinage. It was the first small-sized one-cent coin and the first to use a copper-nickel alloy, paving the way for future coin designs and compositions.
| Weight | 4.67 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint marks used; all were minted in Philadelphia |
| Composition | 88% copper, 12% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Flying eagle in flight, designed by James B. Longacre |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding the words 'ONE CENT', designed by James B. Longacre |
| Years of Minting | 1856-1858 |
Collectibility and Rare Varieties
The condition of Flying Eagle Cents significantly impacts their value, with well-preserved examples commanding substantial premiums. The 1856 issue is particularly valuable due to its status as a pattern coin and extremely low mintage. Collectors should also be aware of the 'clashed die' error on some 1857 and 1858 coins, which can increase their value.
| 1856 | Approximately 2,000 minted; extremely rare pattern coin |
|---|---|
| 1857 | 17,450,000 minted; common date but scarce in high grades |
| 1858 Large Letters | 24,600,000 minted; slightly less common than Small Letters variety |
| 1858 Small Letters | Mintage included in Large Letters total; more common variety |
Explore Flying Eagle Cent Values by Year
Most Valuable Flying Eagle Cent
This section highlights the most valuable coins in the series, based on eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS price guides. The table shows price ranges for each coin in various conditions. Note that PCGS estimates often exceed eBay prices, especially for less rare coins.