History of the Flying Eagle Cent
The Flying Eagle Cent is a one-cent piece struck by the Mint of the United States as a pattern coin in 1856, and for circulation in 1857 and 1858.
The coin was designed by Mint Chief Engraver James B. Longacre with the eagle in flight based on the work of Longacre's predecessor, Christian Gobrecht.
The Flying Eagle Cent weighs 4.67 grams and are 19mm in diameter. The coin's composition consists of 88% copper and 12% nickel. All coins were struck by the Philadelphia mint and do not bear a mintmark.
Many examples of the Flying Eagle Cent is weakly struck (especially around the eagle's tail and head) due to its hard copper-nickel alloy. The Mint's attempt to strengthen the design's strike led to many die breaks.
The Flying Eagle Cent was issued in exchange for the worn Spanish colonial silver coin, that Was being circulated in the U.S. before it.
Throughout the Flying Eagle's short lived Series, the general public grew to dislike it's design. The Flying Eagle Cent was replaced by the Indian Head Cent in 1859. Ending America's first small Cent design.
Comments
Conan Barbarian
Level 5
thanks for the history. they are a short lived but eventful coin
CoinLady
Level 6
Always liked this coin. Too short-lived! These cents are beautiful in proof.
Longstrider
Level 6
It's a great design. Wish we had them now. Thank you!
Kepi
Level 6
I really like the Flying Eagle Cent! I'm not sure why I don't have one in my collection yet. : ) Thanks for your research and photo's!
"SUN"
Level 6
A nice coin to collected with Indian Head Cents
The Coin Student
Level 5
Interesting coin with a short history. Thanks for sharing!
Mike
Level 7
Thanks for the information . This is another coin they didn't make for along time . I'm glad they did make it i like the design. It's to bad alot of collectors like them thanks for the info and picture. Mike
user_55599
Level 4
Yeah, I currently own 2 Flying Eagle cents the 1857 and 58' in VF-20. Hoping to complete the collection some day.
user_55599
Level 4