1857 Flying Eagle Cent

Coin Details

Auction Record

$32,200 MS66 01-05-2006 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1857 Flying Eagle Cent is a cent from the Philadelphia Mint, belonging to the Flying Eagle Cents 1856-1858 series. With a mintage of 17.4 million, this is a less common 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. 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. Coined at the Philadelphia facility, the nation's original mint that has operated continuously since its 1792 founding. Estimated market value ranges from $38 to $1.3K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 88% copper, 12% nickel, weighing 4.7 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #2016.