1856 Cent Pattern - J-180

Coin Details

Description

Judd-180 is the famous 1856 Flying Eagle cent, the most celebrated pattern in all of American numismatics. While technically a pattern issue since the denomination had not yet been authorized for regular production, J-180 was struck in substantial quantities — estimated between 1,500 and 3,000 pieces — making it far more available than typical patterns. These coins were distributed to members of Congress and other officials to demonstrate the viability of the new small cent format and copper-nickel composition. The obverse features James B. Longacre's adaptation of the Gobrecht/Peale flying eagle, surrounded by thirteen stars with the date 1856 below. Two major date styles exist: the Slanted 5 (found across twelve die marriages) and the Upright 5 (eight die marriages), with populations roughly evenly divided between the two. The reverse displays ONE CENT within a wreath encircled by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Struck in copper-nickel (88% copper, 12% nickel) with a plain edge, this is the coin that launched the small cent era. Despite its relative abundance for a pattern, no significant hoards with full or nearly full mint red color have been reported, and the proof-only N-5 die marriage is fairly scarce. The true rarity of this date is N-22.