1858 Flying Eagle Cent - Small Letters

Coin Details

Auction Record

$40,800 MS66+ 04-26-2020 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1858 Flying Eagle Cent - Small Letters, struck at the Philadelphia Mint, is part of the Flying Eagle Cents 1856-1858 collection. With a mintage of 24.6 million, this is a less common issue — the lowest mintage among 4 mint variants, representing only 25% of total production. The obverse features a flying eagle in mid-flight, adapted from the Gobrecht dollar reverse and the reverse displays a wreath enclosing ONE CENT. Two major varieties exist: Large Letters and Small Letters, referring to the size of the legend on the obverse. The design was replaced by the Indian Head Cent in 1859 due to striking difficulties caused by the high-relief eagle. Philadelphia's mint — the nation's first — has produced coins without interruption since its founding in 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $123 to $15K 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 #2020.