1857 Flying Eagle Cent Base

About This Coin

The 1857 Flying Eagle Cent Base is a United States cent from the Flying Eagle Cents 1856-1858 series — the second year of the series. In 1857, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 34.9 million. This represents the second-lowest annual mintage in the series, at the series median of 34.9 million. 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 4.7 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have cataloged 10 known die varieties for this date across 2 categories, including doubled die obverse, mule die clash. Across its variants, estimated values range from $38 to $10K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $46K in PR66 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by James Barton Longacre.