1858 Flying Eagle Cent - Small Letters
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026, from published price guides and, in some cases, recorded auction sales. For most coins the range runs from a well-worn example (around G-4) to an uncirculated one, but individual coins can sell for more or less depending on grade, eye appeal and demand. Compare recent sales of similar coins for a closer estimate.
Auction Record
- Price realized
- $40,800
- Sold
- Grade
- MS66+
- Auction house
- 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. All 1858 Flying Eagle cents are counted in the 24.6 million figure; the Small Letters coins are an unrecorded part of it. 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. Struck in 88% copper, 12% nickel, weighing 4.67 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #2020.
External References
Error Varieties(14)
1858 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002
1858 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003
1858 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004
1858 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-005
1858 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-006
1858 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-007
1858 Flying Eagle Cent (Small Letters) Reverse Rim Cud (2 to 5 o'clock)
1858 Flying Eagle Cent (Small Letters) Reverse Rim Cud (6 to 9 o'clock)
1858 Flying Eagle Cent (Small Letters) Reverse Rim Cud (7 to 1 o'clock)
1858 Flying Eagle Cent (Small Letters) Reverse Rim Cud (9 to 11 o'clock)
1858 Flying Eagle Cent (Small Letters) Reverse Rim Cud (12 to 4 o'clock)
1858 Flying Eagle Cent (Small Letters) Spiked Head
RCD-1c-1858-01 Retained Cud
RCD-1c-1858-02 Retained Cud
Other Strike Types in This Series
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