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 PCGS price guides. The table shows price ranges for each coin in various conditions.
