1857 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
$32,200 MS66 01-05-2006 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1857 Flying Eagle Cent is a cent produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the Flying Eagle Cents 1856-1858 series. Total mintage reached 17.4 million. 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 88% copper, 12% nickel, weighing 4.7 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #2016. 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(10)
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
