1857 Flying Eagle Cent Repunched Date FS-301 Snow-11

Description

Cataloged as FS-301 and Snow-11, this 1857 Flying Eagle Cent displays a repunched date with traces of the earlier punch position visible under the "857" of the date. Repunched dates occur when one or more digits are punched into the working die more than once in slightly different positions, leaving remnants of the initial impression on struck coins. The 1857 Flying Eagle Cent holds a pivotal place in American numismatics as the first regular-issue small cent, replacing the large copper cents that had circulated since 1793. Designed by James B. Longacre, the obverse features a flying eagle inspired by Christian Gobrecht's earlier pattern, while the reverse displays an agricultural wreath. Struck in 88% copper and 12% nickel, this composition proved difficult to strike and contributed to the series' brief two-year run before the Indian Head Cent replaced it in 1859. The FS-301 / Snow-11 designation places this repunched date among the recognized varieties in the Fivaz-Stanton and Snow reference catalogs.

Attribution History

• FS-301, Snow-11