1857 Flying Eagle Cent
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026, from published price guides and, in some cases, recorded auction sales. For most coins the range runs from a well-worn example (around G-4) to an uncirculated one, but individual coins can sell for more or less depending on grade, eye appeal and demand. Compare recent sales of similar coins for a closer estimate.
Auction Record
- Price realized
- $32,200
- Sold
- Grade
- MS66
- Auction house
- Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1857 Flying Eagle Cent is a cent from the Philadelphia Mint, belonging to the Flying Eagle Cents 1856-1858 series. The Philadelphia Mint struck 17,450,000 Flying Eagle cents dated 1857. The obverse features a flying eagle in mid-flight, adapted from the Gobrecht dollar reverse and the reverse displays a wreath enclosing ONE CENT. First year of regular production and the first small cent for general circulation. The public enthusiastically adopted the smaller format, and the old large cents were rapidly retired from commerce. Struck in 88% copper, 12% nickel, weighing 4.67 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #2016.
External References
Error Varieties(18)
1857 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001
1857 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002
1857 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003
1857 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004
1857 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-005
1857 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-006
1857 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-007
1857 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-008
1857 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-009
1857 Flying Eagle Cent Die Chip
1857 Flying Eagle Cent Lamination Peel
1857 Flying Eagle Cent Mule Die Clash with $20 Piece FS-403
1857 Flying Eagle Cent Mule Die Clash with Quarter FS-901
1857 Flying Eagle Cent Obverse Rim Cud
1857 Flying Eagle Cent Repunched Date FS-301 Snow-11
1857 Flying Eagle Cent Reverse Rim Cud (9 o'clock)
1857 Flying Eagle Cent Reverse Rim Cud (12 to 1 o'clock)
1857 Mule Die Clash MUDC-1C-1857-02
Other Strike Types in This Series
Collector Essentials
Tools and references for building and protecting your coin collection.
10x-20x Jeweler's Loupe
A must-have for examining coin details, mint marks, and surface quality
Red Book — Guide to U.S. Coins
The essential annual reference for U.S. coin values, history, and mintages
Coin Albums & Storage
Archival-quality albums and holders to protect and display your collection
USB Digital Microscope
Capture detailed images for documentation and community submissions
As an Amazon Associate, NumisDex earns from qualifying purchases.