Flying Eagle Cent - A High Point in Pennies?
Ranked #4,648 in Hobbies, Games & Toys, #54,580 overall
Flying Eagle Cent - A New Era in Coinage
One of the more striking coins in US Mint History, the Flying Eagle Cent, was also one of the shorter-lived coins. The government started producing Flying Eagle Cents in 1856, but the last Flying Eagle was struck by the US Mint just three years later, in 1858.
With the Flying Eagle Cent's brief period of mintage, its interesting history, and its absolutely beautiful design, the Flying Eagle is highly sought after by collectors, Flying Eagle Cents are quite common at Coin Shows, are always available through online auction websites, and can even occasionally be found in rolls of Indian Head Cents! A complete collection of Flying Eagles is an accomplishment possible for most collectors.
What's So Special About the Flying Eagle Cent?
I'll Bet You Can Figure It Out! Look at the Picture!
One Cent Pieces in the United States can be divided into two general categories, with the major change differentiating between the two occurring in the year 1856. That was when the US Mint stopped striking large cents and started making small cents
The last "large cent produced was the "Braided Hair" large cent. It was 27.5 millimeters in diameter, whereas the new Flying Eagle was only 19 millimeters across! The new 4.67 gram penny weighed less than half as much as the 10.89 gram large cent! So the differentiation between large cents and small cents is quite obvious!
The Flying Eagle Cent: The Coin Itself
The Flying Eagle Cent was designed by James Barton Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the US Mint from 1844 until 1869. Longacre's most famous coin was undoubtedly the Indian Head Cent, which would replace the Flying Eagle in 1869. But Longacre was also responsible for the Shield Nickel, Two-Cent Piece, Silver and Nickel Three-Cent Pieces, One Dollar Gold, a Three-Dollar Gold Piece, and the Liberty Head (or Coronet) Double Eagle Gold Piece ($20).
The obverse (or heads side) of the Flying Eagle Cent features an eagle in flight. While eagles have been featured on the reverse side of coins, this is the only instance in which the eagle occupies the feature spot.
The reverse (or tails side) of the coin features an agricultural wreath consisting of corn, wheat, cotton, and tobacco leaves encircling the words "One Cent," similar to the wreath on the Indian Head Cent which would be introduced just three years after the Flying Eagle was designed.
The Flying Eagle Cent was minted from 1856 through 1858,
Flying Eagles on eBay!
I LOVE eBay, but probably not for the reason you're thinking!
I am really grateful for auction sites like eBay. Yes, they do provide markets from which I can buy or sell merchandise, but there's another reason that I go to eBay every single day looking for coins.
I find eBay to be a tremendous learning tool. It allows me to see coins that I would never get to see in real life, and to spend more time with them than I usually could, and all at my convenience.
For example. I went to a coin show in North Texas the week before I wrote this. I had two or three coins in mind that I might be in the market for. Not finding those at a price I wanted to pay, I started looking for other coins in which I have an interest, but wasn't really in the market for at this time. Specifically, I started asking about Flying Eagle Cents and Liberty Cap Large Cents. I only found two dozen of the large cents among all the tables I visited. And I found about 50 Flying Eagles. A search for "Flying Eagle Cent" on eBay as I write this shows that there are 412 coins available. Almost all of the listings have pictures. I can look at these pictures for as long as I want without bothering anyone, or being bothered by anyone. Admittedly it is not nearly the same as holding the coin in my hands and using my own magnifying glass to get a good, close look at the coin, but I still learn or realize something about some coin or another almost every day. I can see patterns in what coins sell, and what coins don't sell by looking in the completed listings. I can figure out trends in prices. eBay really provides a great service to me even when I am not buying anything!
With that in mind...Take a Look at What's on eBay right now when we search for Flying Eagle Cents! Click a link and see what you think of the grading.
A Little More Flying Eagle Cent History
Flying Eagle Cents were the government's response to complaints that the one cent coins were too large and too heavy. The smaller size (about 19 millimeters diameter and 4.7 grams) was attractive to the people, but the Flying Eagle Cent itself was not. The composition of the coin changed, with the coins no longer being 100% copper. The lighter color caused people to start referring to the coin as a "White Cent," and the fact that Liberty no longer was portrayed caused people to refer to the coin as the "Buzzard Cent." The coin was only produced for two years, 1857-58. (Although specimens of the coins which were produced for promotional purposes and to perfect the hubs and dies which would be used in actual production do exist, carrying a date of 1856. Watch for fakes!)
Coin Folders and Albums
Protect and Organize Your Coins in a Nice Display
Coin Folders and Albums are a good way to organize and protect your coins. Folders have slots into which you can insert your coins. They are good for organization. There are two major disadvantages. First, you must remove the coin from the album if you want to see the reverse. Second, you can still touch the coin, which means there is a higher probability of the coins being damaged fingerprints...or even just falling out of the folder.
Albums are a better choice for higher grade coins because both sides of the coin are visible and a clear plastic prevents little fingers (or even adult fingers) from handling your coins!
Why Are There So Few 1856 Flying Eagles?
It is not known how many 1856 Flying Eagle Cents were minted. Experts' estimates range from 1000 to 2000. The coins were produced as patterns and to perfect the design and dies for the new coin. They were also used to influence members of Congress to authorize the coin. The1856 coins were never meant to be placed into circulation. In fact, the coins were supposed to be returned to the Mint where they would be destroyed. But some 1856 Flying Eagle Cents never made their way back to the Mint at all. Since there were so few minted (and so many of those were destroyed), 1856 Flying Eagles are very highly prized.
Learn About Coins
They Say "Buy the Book Before You Buy the Coin!" They're Right!
One way to do this is to become a professional numismatist. Interact daily with people in the industry. Spend every weekend at coin shows around the country. Attend seminars at the headquarters of the American Numismatic Association.
If you're like me, this sounds great. But if you're like me there are other aspects of your life that you need to take care of. So if you're like me, you'll spend some time reading reference books about the coins which interest you. Here are some books which can get you started right in Coin Collecting.
More Flying Eagle Cents on eBay
Hone Your Grading Skills! Develop a Good Eye!
Do you agree with the grading on these coins currently on eBay?
Coin Lenses on Squidoo
Some Interesting, Informative Pages About a Great Hobby
How Many Flying Eagle Cents Were Minted?
42,050,000!
A Flying Eagle Cent Shirt
Let Folks Know What You Like to Collect While Leaving the Coins at Home!
Certifiably Coin Crazy Bag
Display Your Passion on an Eco-Friendly Canvas Bag!
This bag is a cute way to let folks know that you like coins. Quite a conversation starter, which can lead into all sorts of coin collecting opportunities.
An organization for those interested in the designs of Chief Engraver James B. Longacre, especially the first two Small Cent designs, the Flying Eagle Cent and the Indian Head Cent. The mission of the club is to foster a fraternal association among members and to enhance the enjoyment of one's numismatic endeavors.
So What's My Flying Eagle Worth?
Here are some Guidelines and Resources to Help Find Out!
The value of a coin is based on two factors. The first is how rare the coin is. This is a combination of how many coins were originally minted, and what happened to them. Some are destroyed accidentally. Some have been recalled by the government. Collectors have taken some out of circulation. As a particular type of coin has fewer examples available, it becomes more valuable. The other factor is the physical condition of a coin. The closer a specimen is to perfect is, the more valuable it becomes. So a rare, perfect coin is much more valuable than a common, worn coin. Please note that a con's being "old" is not really a factor in a coin's value.The American Numismatic has developed a grading system to describe the condition of a coin. What I will discuss here is coins that have been minted to go into general circulation, released. The conditions of the coins are represented by names, as well as a combination of letters and numbers. I have summarized some general conditions here.
Perfect Uncirculated (MS-70) This indicates a coin in perfect, new condition. It shows no trace of handling, wear, or contact with other coins.
Gem Uncirculated (MS-65) This is an above average uncirculated coin. It may be brilliant, or it may be lightly toned. There are very few contact marks either on either surface of the coin or on the rim.
Choice Uncirculated (MS-63) This coin has some distracting contact marks and/or blemishes in the prime focal areas of one or both surfaces. The luster of the coin may be impaired.
Uncirculated (MS-60) This coin has no trace of wear, but it may show several contact marks, and the surface of the coin may lack luster, or even be spotted.
Choice About Uncirculated (AU-55) There is evidence of friction on the high points of the coin's design, but most of the mint luster remains.
About Uncirculated (AU-50) This coin shows traces of light wear on many of the high points of the coin. At least half of the original mint luster is still present. A trace of wear is evident on the eagle's chest, head, and left wing tip as well as on the bow.
Choice Extremely Fine (EF-45) The coin exhibits light overall wear on the highest points of the coin. Some of the original mint luster is still evident. All design details are still very clear and sharp. Now the right wing tip is also showing wear, but all weathers are still plain. The leaves on the reverse are beginning to show some wear.
Extremely Fine (EF-40) There is light wear throughout the design, but all features of the design are still sharp and well-defined. Although not an essential element to the the definition of this grade, some traces of mint luster may still exist. Wear is becoming obvious on the Eagle's thigh. There is more wear evident on the bow.
Choice Very Fine (VF-30) Light, even wear on the surface and highest parts throughout the design. All major features of the design, as well as al lettering remain sharp. The wear on the Eagle's breast and thigh have reached the point were there are small flat spots present. The head, although worn, is still sharp. The ends of the leaves and bow have almost worn smooth.
Very Fine (VF-20) While all major details of the design remain clear, there is moderate wear on high points of the coin's design. There is now a good deal of flatness evident on the Eagle's chest. Much of the detail in the wing feathers has worn away, but some is still present. The tail feathers still look nearly complete. The ends of the bow and the leaves are worn smooth on the coin's reverse.
Fine (F-12) There is moderate to considerable even wear. The design remains bold, and the overall appearance of the coin is still pleasing to the eye. There are still some details evident on the Eagle's head, chest, and tail. On the reverse, the bow is very smooth, but some details are still present on the bow.
Very Good (VG-8) The coin is well worn with the main features of the design remaining clear and bold, although they have been worn somewhat flat. Only a small amount of detail remains in the lower half of the wreath on the coin's reverse, but the top of the wreath shows no detail remaining in the leaves.
Good (G-4) This coin is heavily worn. The design is still visible, but many of the details are flat, and the design is faint in some areas.
About Good (AG-3) This coin is very heavily worn with portions of the lettering, date, and legend have been worn smooth. In many instances, the date is barely readable.
of possible values. A CENTS-ible Coin Collecting Shirt
Cin Collecting: a CENTS-ible Hobby
Click the shirt and take a look at the styles that are availalbe.
An OUTSTANDING Flying Eagle Cent Reference
The Industry Standard on Flying Eagles...This Book is a Must Have!
A Guide Book of Flying Eagle and Indian Head Cents: Complete Source for History, Grading, and Prices
Amazon Price: $11.95 (as of 05/22/2012)
List Price: $19.95
Used Price: $12.68
This is one of my favorite coin books. It includes valuable information includes mintage numbers, collecting challenges, and interesting varieties for each date, supplemented with market values in multiple grades, certified coin population data and high quality color photographs. In addition, there is a section of the book devoted to altered and counterfeit coins -- especially important for the 1856 coins since there are so few actually in existence. The author has also included an illustrated biography of James Longacre, the man who designed the coins.
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Varieties in the 1858 Flying Eagle
Look at the Letters on the Reverse of the Coin!
The 1858 Flying Eagle Cent actually had two varieties. The "Large Letter" and the "Small Letter" versions of the coin had different lettering on the back of the coin. The best place to see the difference at a glance is the spacing between the letters "A" and "M" in "America." If you examine the spacing, you will find that in the "Large Letter" variety of the coin, the serifs at the bases of the letters almost touch. In the "Small Letter" variety there is a clear space between the two coins.The first A in America on the "Large Letter" variety is also closer to the Eagle's wingtip!
My Most Recent Flying Eagle
Flying Eagle Cents were the government's response to complaints that the one cent coins were too large and too heavy. The smaller size (about 19 millimeters diameter and 4.7 grams) was attractive to the people, but the Flying Eagle Cent itself was not. The composition of the coin changed, with the coins no longer being 100% copper. The lighter color caused people to start referring to the coin as a "White Cent," and the fact that Liberty no longer was portrayed caused people to refer to the coin as the "Buzzard Cent." The coin was only produced for two years, 1857-58. (Although specimens of the coins which were produced for promotional purposes and to perfect the hubs and dies which would be used in actual production do exist, carrying a date of 1856. Watch for fakes!)
Keep Current in the Hobby
Trends and News
One of the Better Coin Magazines
Coinage
Amazon Price: $29.95 (as of 05/22/2012)
The writing in this magazine is consistently better than many of the others. The research is good, and the articles thorough. I enjoy my own subscription to CoinAGE, and read it multiple times every month. I recommend this publication. Picking it up at the newsstand will work, but a subscription will make sure you never miss an issue, and will save you a pretty penny!
Coin Supplies at a Disount
Great Prices and a Good Selection!
The Flying Eagle is Beautiful! Why Was It Discontinued?
The Problem is in the Design -- Aye There's The Rub!
Another Change Besides the Size?
The size of the coin, changed, and so did the design. The Flying Eagle ushered in a change in the metal composition of the coin. The one cent piece had been struck in copper. With the Flying Eagle James Booth, the Mint's melter and refiner, decided to produce the new cents in a copper-nickel composition. The Flying Eagle was minted with an alloy of 87% copper, 13% nickel. This produced a color change, which the public did not like. People began to call it the "white cent." In addition people were used to seeing an eagle on the REVERSE, NOT THE OBVERSE of the coin. This change was not particularly welcome either. People began to call the Flying Eagle Cent the "Buzzard Cent."
Some Interesting Coin Pages You Might Enjoy
Flying Eagle Coin Replicas on eBay
From time to time you'll find large coin replicas on eBay. I own a couple, and my favorite is the Flying Eagle Cent! If I can't find an authentic 1856, I'll have fun with my 3-inch version. Let's see if there are any available right now!
Coin Resources on the Internet
- American Numismatic Association
- The American Numismatic Association is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to educating and encouraging people to study and collect money and related items.
- American Numismatic Society
- It's mission is the creation and maintenance of the preeminent national institution advancing the study and public appreciation of coins, currency, medals, orders and decorations, and related objects.
- United States Mint
- It's mission is the production of an adequate volume of circulating coinage for the nation to conduct its trade and commerce. Many resources online, especially good for amateurs. This is also the source for Mint Sets, Proof Sets, etc.
- Coinflation
- An interesting site in that it allows you to see the intrinsic value of the metal in silver and gold coins based on the most recent silver and gold quotes.
- The Fly-In Club
- The official site of the Flying Eagle and Indian Head Cent Collectors Society Membership includes a GREAT publication.
Flying Eagle Cents in the Blogosphere.
- Prices Are Low Considering Mintages
- What little lingering problem there might have been because the copper half cents and large cents were bulky was solved in 1857 when the new and smaller Flying Eagle cent was introduced. The lack of demand for the silver 3-cent piece is clearly seen in ...
- Day in the Life: Mickey Smith has passion for coins
- Today, he's showing off his rare 1856 Flying Eagle cent. Only 2000 were made and he paid $7500 for it. He receives offers double that for the coin. While walking through his collection, he takes a call about the value of a 1918 Walking Liberty Half ...
- Asia Buys Gold as US Stalls
- I did sell a number of circulated Flying Eagle cents and Bust half dollars. It seemed to me that dealer inventories included many more specimens of 1936-1942 US proof coins than I typically see at a major show. I was looking through inventory at one ...
Does This Lens Fly as High as the Coin?
Give Us Your Two Cents Worth!
This module only appears with actual data when viewed on a live lens. The favorite and lensroll options will appear on a live lens if the viewer is a member of Squidoo and logged in.
Toss In Your Two Cents!
Please Let Me Know You Were Here and Tell Us What You Think of the Lens!
I'm always interested in what my readers think about my lenses. What's good? What else would you like to see? Do you collect Flying Eagle Cents? For that matter, do you collect coins at all?
Thanke for visiting, and thanks for taking the time to put your thoughts into words here!
-
-
YayasHome
Sep 11, 2011 @ 10:30 pm | delete
- Very interesting information. I always love learning more about coin collecting, although I no longer collect any coins, myself. Thanks.
-
-
-
ben186422 May 20, 2011 @ 1:19 am | delete
- I learned many things. Great job.
-
-
-
FoxMusic
Jan 4, 2011 @ 5:30 pm | delete
- Thanks, this was a great lens on the Flying Eagle Cent - very informative
-
-
-
Ladymermaid
Jan 1, 2011 @ 2:13 pm | delete
- What a beautiful coin. Coin collecting is a fascination which runs in our family...thank you for sharing this delightful lens. Best wishes for a wonderful New Year.
-
Coins, Supplies and Books as Gifts?
Not just for Christmas...You'll Always Get a Smile for Coin Gifts
by ViolinStudent
Arthur Haule began to collect coins on in 1963. He was thrilled to get two folders with the common dates of a Lincoln Penny collection for Christmas....
more »
- 132 featured lenses
- Winner of 20 trophies!
- Top lens » Kennedy Half Dollar Coins
Explore related pages
- Indian Head Penny Indian Head Penny
- Pennies: Coins That Make Cents! Pennies: Coins That Make Cents!
- Lincoln Pennies--A Great Intro to Coin Collecting Lincoln Pennies--A Great Intro to Coin Collecting
- Two Cent Piece: More Than a Penny for Your Thoughts Two Cent Piece: More Than a Penny for Your Thoughts
- Walking Liberty Half Dollar: An American Numismatic Gem Walking Liberty Half Dollar: An American Numismatic Gem
- Morgan Silver Dollars Morgan Silver Dollars
