Flying Eagle Cent (1856-58)
Flying Eagle Cent (1856-58): identify, compare, and value
Use this page to identify details collectors compare, understand value clues, and check current market examples.
Value Guide Summary
Use this page to understand what this collectible is, what details collectors usually compare, and where to check current market examples.
What collectors look for
Original condition, age, maker marks, materials, completeness, unusual variants, and documented history usually matter most.
How to identify examples
Compare markings, construction details, finish, size, period-correct materials, and known design features before assuming authenticity.
Value clues
Rarity, demand, condition, eye appeal, provenance, and whether similar examples are actively selling can all affect market value.
Red flags
Watch for reproductions, heavy restoration, replaced parts, fantasy pieces, unclear photos, and listings with vague descriptions.
The Flying Eagle Cent represents a pivotal moment in American coinage history. Prior to its introduction, large copper cents were costly to produce and unpopular due to their size and weight. In the mid-19th century, the United States Mint sought to create a smaller and more economical cent coin. The result was the Flying Eagle Cent, minted from 1856 to 1858. It marked the transition from the larger copper cents of the past to the smaller, more convenient coinage that would become the norm.
The design of the Flying Eagle Cent is credited to Chief Engraver James B. Longacre. Longacre's innovative design for the cent featured a bold eagle in flight on the obverse (front) of the coin, surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original thirteen colonies. The reverse (back) featured a wreath encircling the denomination "ONE CENT" and the legend "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA."
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Obverse Design: The obverse of the Flying Eagle Cent prominently features an eagle in flight, which gives the coin its name. This was a departure from earlier cent designs that featured portraits of Lady Liberty. The eagle is surrounded by stars, and the date is placed below.
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Reverse Design: On the reverse, a wreath encircles the denomination "ONE CENT," with the national motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" inscribed above it. The wreath design is simple yet elegant, emphasizing the transition to a more streamlined and aesthetically pleasing cent coin.