1856 Flying Eagle Cent (1c)

The 1856 Flying Eagle cent represents a pivotal moment in American numismatic history. This was the first small-sized cent, created as a pattern coin to replace the larger copper cents that had become impractical due to rising copper prices. Though technically a pattern issue, the 1856 Flying Eagle cent had a mintage of approximately 2,000 pieces, making it significantly rarer than its 1857-1858 counterparts that went into full production.

This VF25 example displays is a Snow 3 and a true mint-state (as opposed to proof) example. It shows honest wear from circulation with a pleasing chocolate-brown patina that's developed naturally over its 165+ years of existence. The eagle's wing feathers show moderate wear but remain clearly defined, while the reverse wreath details are still sharp and well-preserved. The surfaces are remarkably smooth for a circulated Flying Eagle cent, with none of the porosity or environmental damage that often plagues these early copper-nickel pieces. The eye appeal is excellent for the assigned grade, making this a desirable example of this historically significant transitional issue.