Flying Eagle Cent Value Guide

The Flying Eagle Cent represents a pivotal shift in American numismatics as the first 'small cent' issued to replace the cumbersome large cent. Its innovative design and unique 88% copper and 12% nickel composition make it a highly sought-after short-lived series for collectors.

What affects the value of Flying Eagle Cent?

• Condition and strike quality, as the hard copper-nickel alloy often resulted in weak details on the eagle's head and tail.
• The specific variety of the 1858 issue, such as the 'Large Letters' versus 'Small Letters' versions.
• Presence of original luster, which is rare for this short-lived series due to heavy circulation.
• Surface preservation, specifically the absence of dark spotting or corrosion common to early nickel alloys.

How to Identify Flying Eagle Cent?

• Verify the obverse design features an eagle in flight, based on James B. Longacre's adaptation of Christian Gobrecht's work.
• Check the reverse for a 'Agricultural Wreath' containing corn, wheat, cotton, and tobacco.
• Confirm the date is either 1857 or 1858, as these were the only two years of general circulation.
• Look for the distinct pale, whitish-gold color characteristic of the 12% nickel 'white cent' alloy.

History of Flying Eagle Cent

The Flying Eagle Cent was a short-lived series of United States one-cent pieces. It was introduced in 1857 as a replacement for the large cent, which had become unpopular due to its size and increasing cost of production. The coin's design, featuring an eagle in flight on the obverse and a wreath on the reverse, was innovative for its time. However, the coin's composition of 88% copper and 12% nickel proved difficult to strike, leading to many production issues and a short mintage run. It was replaced by the Indian Head Cent in 1859, making the Flying Eagle Cent a unique and collectible piece of American numismatic history.