1856 Flying Eagle Cent
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$172,500 MS66 01-07-2004 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1856 Flying Eagle Cent is a cent produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the Flying Eagle Cents 1856-1858 series. With a mintage of 634, this is an extremely rare issue — the lower-mintage of the two mint variants. The obverse features a flying eagle in mid-flight, adapted from the Gobrecht dollar reverse and the reverse displays a wreath enclosing ONE CENT. Technically a pattern — approximately 2,000 were struck before Congress officially authorized the small cent format. The 1856 Flying Eagle is one of the most famous and valuable U.S. pattern coins. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $9.3K to $31K depending on grade and condition. Struck in copper-nickel, weighing 4.7 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #2013.
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