Flying Eagle Cent

Before the Flying Eagle Cent came into usage, the smaller versions of American currency were dominated by large, relatively costly copper coins. In 1856, however, cheaper coins were introduced, which were not only smaller but made of a mixture of copper and nickel, instead of solid copper. The very first Flying Eagle Cent had an interesting legal status. Though minted in 1856, the flying eagle cent coins did not become enacted in law until the following year. Thus, the 1856 coins are categorized as “pattern coins.” Only about a thousand of these are thought to have been made.

1856 Flying Eagle Cent

On one side of the coin is, as you might guess, a flying eagle shown in profile, facing left. The words “United States of America” are inscribed around the rim of the flying eagle cent, and the year of the coin’s minting is shown below the eagle. On the reverse of the flying eagle cent, the words “One Cent” are stamped in the center in large, bold-faced letters, surrounded by an intricate wreath of leaves and flowers. The opening of the wreath faces upwards, and a ribbon holds the center of the wreath together, directly below the phrase “One Cent.”

In comparing the Flying Eagle Cent coins to earlier cent and half-cent designs, one can easily see the advances in minting artistry and technology, as Flying Eagle Cent coins have much finer lines and detailing. Unfortunately, the demands of mixing metals in a coin with this type of design caused several technical difficulties in the minting process, and in 1859, the coin was replaced by the Indian Head Cent.

During its short life, the Flying Eagle Cent not only played an important part in the history of American money, but was also the source of charming stories. At that time, the national mint was in Philadelphia, and a bald eagle lived on the premises. The eagle was nicknamed Peter by mint staff, and the eagle on the flying eagle cent is said to have been modeled after him. After Peter died, he was stuffed and preserved, and visitors to the mint can still view him.

Flying Eagle Cent Fair Market Values in U.S. Dollars (1856-1858)

Date/Type	G4	VG8	F12	VF20	XF40	AU50	AU53	AU55	AU58	MS60
**1856	$6,000	$6,780	$8,640	$10,940	$12,250	$13,310	$14,060	$15,310	$16,250	$17,000
**1856 Proof	$6,000	$6,780	$8,640	$10,940	$12,250	$12,940	$13,560	$13,940	$14,380	$14,810
1857	$25	$38	$42	$55	$150	$194	$200	$238	$313	$375
1857 Proof	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	$4,340
*1858/7	$120	$160	$220	$420	$930	$1,440	$1,730	$2,050	$2,500	$3,590
1858 Lg. Letters	$25	$36	$41	$58	$162	$219	$225	$250	$300	$375
1858 Lg. Let. Proof	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	$4,060
1858 Sm. Letters	$25	$36	$41	$60	$162	$231	$244	$260	$325	$375
1858 Sm. Let. Proof	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	$4,090