Flying Eagle Penny
(1856 – 1858)
Flying Eagle Cents are beautiful coins, and anyone lucky enough to have one should consider themselves fortunate. Originally, U.S. one-cent coins were made of pure copper. However, by the mid-1800s, the rising cost of copper prompted the U.S. Mint to explore alternative compositions. This led to the creation of the Flying Eagle Cent, a smaller, more economical coin struck from a copper-nickel alloy.
The Flying Eagle Cent was first produced in 1856 as a pattern coin, with full-scale production beginning in 1857. It marked a significant shift in both the size and metal composition of the cent. The obverse of the coin features a majestic eagle in flight—believed by many to be the first instance of a bird shown mid-flight on any coin worldwide. The reverse is simple and clean, showing a laurel wreath encircling the denomination “One Cent,” along with the legend “United States of America.”
At the time of the Flying Eagle Cent’s release, foreign coins were still accepted as legal tender in the U.S., but this was rapidly changing as America moved toward standardized domestic currency. While the coin was praised for its beauty, it encountered significant production difficulties. The high-relief design did not strike well on the hard copper-nickel alloy, leading to a high rate of unsatisfactory coins. Due to these issues, the Flying Eagle Cent was discontinued after only three years and replaced by the Indian Head Cent in 1859.
Flying Eagle Cent Values
The Flying Eagle Cent holds a unique place in American numismatic history. Its short production run and historical significance make it a highly sought-after coin. Most surviving examples are heavily worn due to their extensive use in circulation. However, even worn pieces carry significant value, particularly the 1856 issue, which was produced in much smaller quantities.
Collectors value these coins not only for their rarity but also for their artistic and historical significance. The flying eagle design is considered a major innovation in coin design. For many collectors, acquiring a Flying Eagle Cent is a milestone in building a complete set of U.S. small cents.
Valuation Chart
Year | Mintage | Avg Value (G-4) | Avg Value (F-12) | Avg Value (EF-40) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1856 | ~1,000–2,000 (Proof/Pattern) | $6,500 | $10,000 | $18,000+ |
1857 | 17,450,000 | $30 | $75 | $300 |
1858 | 24,600,000 | $25 | $65 | $275 |
Key Dates and Notables Varieties
Year | Notes |
|---|---|
1856 | Extremely low mintage; considered a pattern coin but widely collected as part of the series |
1858/7 | Overdate variety; scarcer and more valuable than regular 1858 issues |
1858 Large Letters | More common than Small Letters variety |
1858 Small Letters | Less common, slightly more valuable |
Final Thoughts
Flying Eagle Cents mark a key turning point in the story of American coinage—ushering in the age of the small cent and signaling the end of the Large Cent era that had dominated since the Mint’s earliest days. Struck for circulation only in 1857 and 1858, with a small batch of patterns dated 1856, these coins were America’s first official attempt at a smaller, more practical one-cent piece.
Rising copper prices, public dissatisfaction with the bulky Large Cents, and the need for more efficient coinage all contributed to the shift. The Flying Eagle Cent became the test run for this change, setting the stage for what would become the standard size and composition of the modern penny.
Despite their short lifespan, Flying Eagle Cents have left a lasting legacy. Designed by James B. Longacre, the obverse features a dynamic image of an eagle in flight—a departure from the seated or static imagery used on earlier coinage—while the reverse shows a simple wreath encircling “ONE CENT.”
Struck in a copper-nickel alloy, these coins were revolutionary not just in design but in their composition, moving away from the pure copper of earlier cents. Their brief production run, combined with their transitional nature and sharp, clean design, has made them a favorite among collectors.
Whether prized for their historic significance, their place in the evolution of U.S. coinage, or their distinct look, Flying Eagle Cents continue to be an essential and respected piece in any serious American coin collection.
