1857 Flying Eagle Cent Value Guide

The 1857 Flying Eagle Cent represents a pivotal shift in American numismatics, marking the transition from the cumbersome Large Cent to a smaller, more practical format. Designed by James B. Longacre, this short-lived series is highly sought after by collectors due to its unique eagle-in-flight motif and its brief two-year production run.

What affects the value of 1857 Flying Eagle Cent?

• Surface preservation and the level of detail remaining on the eagle's feathers and the wreath.
• Presence of original mint luster, which is rare for this specific copper-nickel alloy.
• Overall strike quality, as many 1857 cents suffer from weak strikes in the central areas.
• Absence of environmental damage, such as pitting or heavy staining common to early nickel-copper blends.

How to Identify 1857 Flying Eagle Cent?

• Look for the distinctive Flying Eagle design on the obverse, featuring an eagle in flight facing left.
• Verify the composition of 88% copper and 12% nickel, which gives the coin a lighter, whitish appearance compared to pure copper.
• Check the reverse for a wreath design surrounding the words ONE CENT.
• Confirm the date 1857 is clearly struck below the eagle on the obverse.

History of 1857 Flying Eagle Cent

The Flying Eagle Cent was the second one-cent coin produced by the United States Mint, following the Large Cent. It was minted for only two years, from 1857 to 1858, making it a short-lived but historically significant coin. The design, featuring an eagle in flight on the obverse and a wreath on the reverse, was created by James B. Longacre. This coin marked a transition from the larger, heavier copper cents to smaller, more manageable coinage. Its brief production run and unique design contribute to its collectible appeal.