Price Guide for 1858 Cent Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $16.00 – $1,410.00Uncirculated: $110.00 – $40,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.00 – $1,775.00Uncirculated: $110.00 – $17,120.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $590.00Uncirculated: $600.00 – $85,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $15.00 – $700.00Uncirculated: $7.25 – $40,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $12.50 – $649.99Uncirculated: $123.50 – $38,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $36.00 – $635.00Uncirculated: $650.00 – $38,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $8,260.25Uncirculated: $17.50 – $44,650.00
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eBayUncirculated: $9,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,500.00 – $45,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $98.00 – $4,140.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $74,025.00
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eBayCirculated: $255.00 – $1,595.00Uncirculated: $7,499.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $42.00 – $4,150.00Uncirculated: $4,250.00 – $75,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $546.00 – $6,900.00Uncirculated: $575.00 – $40,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,350.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $159.00 – $376.00Uncirculated: $600.00
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eBayCirculated: $93.50 – $379.99Uncirculated: $599.00 – $2,140.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $45.00 – $625.00Uncirculated: $675.00 – $2,350.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $138.00 – $250.00Uncirculated: $311.00 – $5,640.00
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eBayCirculated: $85.00 – $232.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $110.00 – $825.00Uncirculated: $875.00 – $7,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $180.00 – $312.00Uncirculated: $480.00 – $2,040.00
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eBayCirculated: $73.00 – $138.35Uncirculated: $1,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $65.00 – $615.00Uncirculated: $650.00 – $2,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $240.00Uncirculated: $1,200.00 – $1,320.00
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eBayUncirculated: $750.00 – $1,825.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $525.00Uncirculated: $675.00 – $2,150.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $142.18 – $2,880.00Uncirculated: $1,320.00 – $72,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $350.00 – $1,485.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $90.00 – $3,850.00Uncirculated: $4,150.00 – $90,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $305.50 – $1,351.00Uncirculated: $3,290.00 – $23,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $550.00 – $950.00Uncirculated: $2,249.00 – $4,850.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $130.00 – $3,600.00Uncirculated: $3,750.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7,637.50 – $11,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,500.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6,325.00 – $43,125.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $9,000.00 – $60,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1858 Cent
The 1858 Flying Eagle Cent represents the final year of this short-lived series, which was produced from 1856 to 1858. This coin was part of the transition from the large cent to the small cent format, addressing the rising costs of copper and public demand for a smaller, more convenient coin.
The Flying Eagle design, though short-lived, was significant in American numismatic history as it marked the shift from the pure copper large cents to smaller, more economical coins made of a copper-nickel alloy.
| Weight | 4.67 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 88% copper, 12% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Flying Eagle, designed by James B. Longacre |
| Reverse Design | Wreath of cereal, designed by James B. Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1858 Flying Eagle Cents significantly impacts their value. Due to their age and widespread circulation, high-grade examples are scarce and highly sought after by collectors.
Uncirculated specimens, particularly those grading MS65 or higher, command substantial premiums. The quality of the strike is crucial, as many coins from this year exhibit weakness in the eagle’s tail feathers and the wreath details.
Original mint luster and absence of significant contact marks are key factors in determining grade and value for uncirculated examples.
Mintage: 24,600,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Large Letters, Small Letters
Market Demand: High, due to its historical significance and short series
The 1858 Flying Eagle Cent has two major varieties: Large Letters and Small Letters, referring to the size of the lettering on the reverse. The Small Letters variety is slightly scarcer and often commands a premium.
Die clashes and repunched dates are occasionally found and can add value for variety collectors. The presence of original red color on copper-nickel cents is highly prized and can significantly increase value.
As the last year of a short-lived series, the 1858 Flying Eagle Cent holds special appeal for collectors, often leading to higher demand and values compared to more common later cents.
