1856 Flying Eagle Cent
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-67). 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 only 634, this is an extremely rare issue. The obverse features a flying eagle in mid-flight, adapted from the Gobrecht dollar reverse, while the reverse displays a wreath enclosing ONE CENT. Designed by James Barton Longacre. Struck in copper-nickel, weighing 4.7 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #2013. The Flying Eagle Cent inaugurated the small cent era in American coinage, replacing the large copper cent that had circulated since 1793. The 1856 Flying Eagle Cent is one of the most famous U.S. rarities — technically a pattern struck before Congress authorized the new format. The 1857 and 1858 are popular type coins.
External References
Error Varieties
No listings found
This category doesn't have any child listings yet.