Flying Eagle Cent Value Guide: 1856–1858 Values, Varieties and Rare Errors

The Flying Eagle Cent is one of the shortest-lived and most historically significant coin series in American numismatics. Produced for only three years from 1856 to 1858, it marked the beginning of the small-cent era in the United States and replaced the large cents that had circulated since the nation’s earliest years. Although the series is brief, it includes one of the most famous pattern issues in American numismatics, two major design varieties, several recognized die varieties, and a small number of collectible mint errors that continue to attract collectors today.

Whether you’ve inherited a Flying Eagle Cent or are considering adding one to your collection, understanding the differences between the dates, varieties, grades, and market factors is essential. This guide explains what makes these coins valuable, how to identify important varieties, and why condition plays such a major role in determining value.

Quick Answer

The value of a Flying Eagle Cent depends on several important factors:

Because prices fluctuate with collector demand and auction activity, no single value applies to every coin. Professional grading and recent auction comparisons provide the most reliable indication of current market value.

History of the Flying Eagle Cent

The Flying Eagle Cent represents one of the most important transitions in American coinage. By the early 1850s, rising copper prices made the large cent increasingly expensive to produce. At the same time, the public preferred smaller coins that were easier to carry.

Congress authorized a new small-cent design, and the United States Mint introduced the Flying Eagle Cent using an alloy of 88 percent copper and 12 percent nickel. This harder alloy gave the coins their distinctive pale appearance compared with later bronze cents.

Chief Engraver James Barton Longacre adapted the flying eagle design from an earlier pattern coin while pairing it with a simple agricultural wreath on the reverse. Although attractive, the design proved difficult to strike consistently because the hard copper-nickel alloy and relatively high-relief design often prevented complete metal flow into the dies.

Production lasted only three years before the Flying Eagle design was replaced in 1859 by the Indian Head Cent.

Collectors interested in the series that succeeded the Flying Eagle design should also explore Indian Head Penny Key Dates: Rare Years and Mint Varieties Collectors Look For, which explains the important dates and mint varieties that followed the Flying Eagle Cent beginning in 1859.

Flying Eagle Cent Specifications

Unlike many later U.S. coin series, every Flying Eagle Cent was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, so none carry mint marks.

Flying Eagle Cent Dates at a Glance

Understanding Why Flying Eagle Cents Are Valuable

Despite the short series, several characteristics make Flying Eagle Cents especially desirable.

Historical Importance

The Flying Eagle Cent introduced America’s first regularly circulating small cent. It also marked the end of the large cent era that had begun in 1793.

Collectors who enjoy learning about America’s earliest small-denomination coinage may also appreciate Top 10 Half Cent Coins Every Early U.S. Coin Collector Should Know, which explores another important early U.S. copper series produced before the introduction of the small cent.

This historical significance has helped maintain steady collector demand across the series, from well-circulated examples to high-grade certified coins.

Extremely Short Series

Collectors can complete a basic date set with only three years, yet finding attractive examples with strong strikes and original surfaces remains challenging.

The brief production run has made the series popular among both beginning and advanced collectors.

Difficult Striking Characteristics

The copper-nickel alloy was considerably harder than bronze used later for Indian Head Cents.

As a result, many Flying Eagle Cents exhibit:

• Weak feather detail
• Soft lettering
• Incomplete wreath details
• Flat areas near the eagle’s head or tail

Coins with unusually strong strikes and well-defined design details are generally more desirable because fully struck Flying Eagle Cents are less common.

Original Color Matters

Collectors generally describe Flying Eagle Cents using three color designations:

Original Red examples are among the most desirable Flying Eagle Cents because fully original mint color rarely survives after more than 160 years.

Date-by-Date Value and Collecting Guide

1856 Flying Eagle Cent

The 1856 Flying Eagle Cent occupies a unique place in American numismatics.

Its importance to small-cent collectors is comparable to other famous key-date cents, including the coin featured in 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny Value Guide: Why This Rare Cent Is So Important to Collectors, another issue that has earned legendary status because of its rarity and collector demand.

Rather than being a regular circulation issue, it was produced primarily as a pattern coin to demonstrate the proposed small-cent design before full production began.

Only a limited number were struck, making the 1856 one of the most famous and desirable small cents ever produced.

Because of its rarity and historical importance, nearly every genuine example has substantial collector value regardless of grade.

Collectors should be aware that this date has been widely counterfeited and altered from 1857 or 1858 cents.

Professional authentication is strongly recommended before purchasing or selling an 1856 Flying Eagle Cent.

Collectors should also compare any suspected 1856 example with certified reference images, as altered dates and counterfeit pieces remain one of the most common risks associated with this issue.

1857 Flying Eagle Cent

The 1857 issue marked the first regular production year.

Millions entered circulation as Americans exchanged older large cents for the new small cents.

Today, circulated examples remain obtainable for many collectors, while sharply struck Mint State coins with original surfaces become increasingly difficult to locate.

Collectors should pay close attention to:

• Strike quality
• Surface preservation
• Original color
• Signs of cleaning or environmental damage

Well-preserved certified examples often attract strong competition at auction.

1858 Flying Eagle Cent

The final year of the series includes the two major design varieties that every Flying Eagle collector should recognize.

These varieties differ in the size and style of the lettering on the reverse.

Large Letters Variety

The Large Letters variety features thicker, taller lettering in the reverse inscriptions.

It is generally encountered more frequently than the Small Letters variety.

Small Letters Variety

The Small Letters variety displays noticeably smaller lettering with more space between individual letters.

Although not exceptionally rare, it enjoys stronger collector demand because it represents a major design subtype within the short series.

Specialists often include both varieties when assembling a complete Flying Eagle Cent collection.

How to Identify Large Letters vs. Small Letters

The easiest place to compare the two varieties is the lettering within the reverse legend.

Key differences include:

Collectors often use certified reference examples or high-quality photographs when learning to distinguish the two varieties accurately.

Because circulation wear can obscure these differences, magnification is helpful when examining worn coins.

Factors That Determine Flying Eagle Cent Value

Several characteristics work together to determine market value.

Grade

Grade remains the single largest pricing factor.

Minor differences in preservation can produce significant differences in collector demand.

Professional grading services evaluate multiple characteristics, including:

• Wear
• Strike
• Surface quality
• Luster
• Eye appeal
• Damage
• Alterations

Higher-grade examples become progressively scarcer because relatively few Flying Eagle Cents escaped circulation with minimal wear.

Original Surfaces

Collectors strongly prefer coins that retain natural surfaces.

Evidence of:

• Harsh cleaning
• Polishing
• Artificial recoloring
• Corrosion
• Environmental damage

can significantly reduce collector interest.

Eye Appeal

Even among coins assigned the same numerical grade, those with attractive toning, balanced color, and strong visual appeal frequently sell for premiums.

Certification

Authentication by established third-party grading services provides additional confidence regarding authenticity and condition, particularly for valuable coins such as the 1856 Flying Eagle Cent.

It also standardizes grading, making market comparisons more consistent.

Important Flying Eagle Cent Varieties

Although the Flying Eagle Cent series consists of only three dates, it includes several recognized die varieties that are actively collected by specialists. Most are identified using established attribution systems such as Snow numbers or references published by major numismatic researchers.

Collectors should distinguish between major collectible varieties and minor die differences. Not every doubled letter or die crack represents a significant premium variety.

1858 Large Letters

The Large Letters variety is one of the two major design types issued in 1858. It features noticeably larger lettering in the reverse inscriptions and is required for a complete variety set.

1858 Small Letters

The Small Letters variety displays a more compact lettering style with narrower characters and additional spacing. It is another essential subtype for Flying Eagle Cent collectors.

Repunched Date (RPD) Varieties

A small number of repunched date varieties are known within the series. These occurred when a working die received more than one date punch in slightly different positions before entering production.

Collectors should use specialized references or certified examples when attributing RPDs because circulation wear can make identification difficult.

Repunched Letter (RPL) Varieties

Some Flying Eagle Cents also exhibit repunched letters within the legends. While interesting to specialists, premiums depend on how dramatic the doubling appears and whether the variety has been formally recognized by major attribution references.

Genuine Flying Eagle Cent Mint Errors

Flying Eagle Cents were produced during an era when quality control was improving but still allowed occasional mint errors to escape into circulation.

Collectors should remember that true mint errors are different from post-mint damage. Scratches, dents, corrosion, filing, and environmental damage generally do not increase value.

Off-Center Strikes

An off-center strike occurs when the blank planchet is not properly aligned between the dies.

The value depends on:

• Percentage of the design missing
• Whether the date remains visible
• Overall eye appeal
• Grade and preservation

Coins retaining a complete date while showing a dramatic off-center strike often receive stronger collector interest.

Brockage Errors

A brockage occurs when a previously struck coin sticks to one die and impresses a mirror-image design onto the next blank planchet.

Because brockages are genuinely scarce, authenticated examples are highly desirable.

Clipped Planchets

A clipped planchet results when the blank is improperly punched from the metal strip.

Collectors look for:

• Curved clips
• Straight clips
• Blakesley Effect (reduced rim opposite the clip)

Authentication is important because damaged coins are sometimes mistaken for genuine clips.

Die Cracks and Cuds

As dies wore out, cracks occasionally developed.

Minor die cracks are relatively common and usually add limited value.

Larger retained cuds, where part of the die broke away and created a raised blob of metal on the coin, are much scarcer and attract greater collector interest.

Lamination Errors

Copper-nickel planchets occasionally contained imperfections that caused thin layers of metal to peel or separate during striking.

Authentic lamination errors are collectible, although premiums depend on severity, location, and overall eye appeal.

Errors Commonly Mistaken for Valuable Mint Errors

Beginning collectors frequently confuse ordinary damage with genuine mint errors.

Examples that usually do not add value include:

• Cleaning scratches
• Polished surfaces
• Rim dents from circulation
• Corrosion
• Environmental damage
• Tool marks
• Artificial toning
• Heat damage
• Filing marks
• Bent coins

When in doubt, professional authentication is the safest approach.

Understanding Flying Eagle Cent Grades

Grade has an enormous influence on market value because many surviving Flying Eagle Cents circulated heavily.

Strike vs. Wear

One challenge with Flying Eagle Cents is distinguishing weak strikes from actual wear.

The copper-nickel alloy often prevented complete metal flow into the dies, leaving:

• Flat breast feathers
• Weak tail feathers
• Soft wreath details
• Incomplete lettering

Professional graders consider these striking characteristics separately from circulation wear.

Learning to distinguish a weak strike from actual wear is especially important because strike quality can vary considerably even among genuine Mint State Flying Eagle Cents.

Color Designations and Their Impact on Value

Third-party grading services classify copper coins into three color categories.

Brown (BN)

Brown coins have lost nearly all original mint red color through natural oxidation.

They represent the majority of surviving Flying Eagle Cents.

Red-Brown (RB)

These coins retain a noticeable mixture of original red and brown surfaces.

They are generally scarcer than fully brown examples.

Red (RD)

Red Flying Eagle Cents preserve most of their original mint color.

Because copper naturally tones over time, fully Red examples—especially in higher Mint State grades—are significantly scarcer than Brown or Red-Brown coins.

Counterfeits and Altered Coins

The 1856 Flying Eagle Cent is among the most frequently counterfeited small cents in American numismatics.

Some deceptive examples begin as genuine 1857 or 1858 coins that have been altered to resemble the rare 1856 issue.

Common warning signs include:

• Modified dates
• Cast surfaces
• Incorrect weight
• Soft details
• Unnatural color
• Porous texture

Purchasing certified examples from reputable dealers or established auction firms greatly reduces the risk of buying counterfeit or altered coins.

Tips for Buying Flying Eagle Cents

Collectors can improve their purchases by following several best practices.

• Buy the best grade your budget allows.
• Examine original surfaces carefully.
• Learn to distinguish weak strikes from wear.
• Compare multiple certified examples before purchasing.
• Verify important varieties using recognized attribution references.
• Be cautious of raw 1856 cents offered at unusually low prices.
• Purchase from established dealers or reputable auction firms whenever possible.

Tips for Selling Flying Eagle Cents

If you plan to sell a Flying Eagle Cent, proper preparation can help maximize market confidence.

Before selling:

• Identify the correct date and variety.
• Avoid cleaning or polishing the coin.
• Consider professional grading for valuable examples.
• Photograph both sides under good lighting.
• Compare recent certified auction results for similar grades.
• Obtain offers from more than one reputable dealer if possible.

For especially valuable coins or recognized varieties, reviewing recent certified auction results can provide additional context before accepting an offer.

Auction houses may be appropriate for particularly rare varieties or exceptional high-grade examples.

Common Mistakes New Collectors Make

Many beginners unintentionally reduce a coin’s value or misidentify important characteristics.

Common mistakes include:

• Cleaning the coin to improve its appearance.
• Assuming every 1858 coin is the same variety.
• Confusing weak strikes with wear.
• Mistaking damage for mint errors.
• Ignoring color designation.
• Purchasing expensive coins without authentication.
• Overlooking the importance of eye appeal and original surfaces.

Understanding these fundamentals helps collectors evaluate coins more confidently and avoid many of the mistakes commonly made by new buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all Flying Eagle Cents rare?

No. The series is popular and historically important, but rarity varies by date, variety, grade, and preservation. The 1856 issue is substantially scarcer than the regular circulation issues of 1857 and 1858.

Does the Flying Eagle Cent have mint marks?

No. Every Flying Eagle Cent was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, and none carry a mint mark.

Which Flying Eagle Cent is considered the key date?

The 1856 Flying Eagle Cent is widely recognized as the key issue because it was produced as a limited pattern coin before regular production began.

Is the 1858 Small Letters variety worth collecting?

Yes. The 1858 Small Letters variety is one of the two major design subtypes in the series and is collected alongside the Large Letters variety by most Flying Eagle Cent enthusiasts.

Should I clean my Flying Eagle Cent?

No. Cleaning almost always reduces collector appeal and can significantly lower market value. Original surfaces are strongly preferred by collectors and grading services.

How can I tell if my Flying Eagle Cent is genuine?

Compare the coin’s weight, dimensions, design details, and date style with authenticated examples. For valuable coins—especially an 1856 issue or suspected rare variety—professional authentication by a respected third-party grading service is recommended.

Conclusion

The Flying Eagle Cent may have been produced for only three years, but it occupies a lasting place in American numismatic history. As the nation’s first circulating small cent, it introduced a new chapter in U.S. coinage while leaving collectors with a fascinating series that combines historical importance, challenging varieties, and genuine rarity.

For most collectors, the key to understanding Flying Eagle Cent values is recognizing that no single price fits every coin. Condition, strike quality, original color, variety, eye appeal, certification, and current market demand all influence what an individual example may bring. Taking the time to learn these factors—and avoiding common pitfalls such as cleaning or misidentifying damage as mint errors—can help both new and experienced collectors make informed decisions when buying, selling, or building a collection.

References

The information in this guide is supported by established numismatic organizations and research resources, including:

• United States Mint
• Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS)
• Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC)
• American Numismatic Association (ANA)
• Heritage Auctions Auction Archives
• Stack’s Bowers Galleries Auction Archives
• Newman Numismatic Portal

worthadmin

Narayan Kumar is the Founder and Author of Worth My Coins. She specializes in U.S. coin collecting, with a focus on coin identification, mint errors, grading, rare varieties, and collector education. Her goal is to publish accurate, well-researched, and easy-to-understand guides that help both new and experienced collectors make informed decisions. Every article is created using trusted numismatic references and is written with a commitment to accuracy, transparency, and long-term educational value.