The 1857 Flying Eagle penny is a US one-cent coin that was minted between the years of 1856 and 1858.
It’s considered by numismatists to be an extremely important piece of American monetary history due to its limited release, as well as its unique design features.
As such, it has become highly sought after amongst collectors looking for rare coins to add to their collection.
In this article, we’ll explore the details surrounding the production and distribution of this iconic coin.
History Of The 1857 Flying Eagle Penny
The 1857 Flying Eagle Penny is a highly sought after, iconic coin among numismatists. It was the first small-sized one cent piece ever struck by the U.S. Mint and consists of 88% copper and 12% nickel composition.
The obverse features an eagle in flight with outstretched wings, while the reverse has no central design but instead a wreath encircling the denomination ‘ONE CENT’.
It’s estimated that only 2 million 1857 Flying Eagle Pennies were minted – far fewer than any other penny issued during its time period. This rarity makes it extremely desirable to collectors today; depending on condition, they can be worth anywhere from $100 to over $20,000!
Furthermore, many surviving specimens are circulated or show signs of heavy wear due to their age, increasing the value for those coins which remain in excellent condition.
Consequently, this makes grading crucial when evaluating potential purchases of 1857 Flying Eagles as it helps determine if there are any underlying problems such as corrosion or cleaning that could significantly detract from its worth. As such, buyers should exercise caution and familiarize themselves with the different grades before making any purchase decisions.
Minting Process And Specifications
The flying eagle penny is a United States one cent coin minted between 1856 and 1858. It was the first small-size one cent coin issued by the U.S. Mint, replacing the larger half-cent coins that had been produced since 1793.
The design process for this type of penny began in 1854 with the appointment of James B. Longacre as Chief Engraver of the US Mint. Longacre’s main objective while creating his design was to make it easily distinguishable from other contemporary coins; he achieved this goal by emblazoning an American bald eagle upon its obverse side.
To add further distinction, each reverse features a wreath composed of corn, wheat, cotton, and tobacco – all staples of early 19th century America. Both sides are encircled by denticles or beads which give the edge a crenellated pattern, adding tactile appeal when handling these coins.
The specifications for this piece include a weight of 4.67 grams (0.16 oz) made up of 88% copper and 12% nickel containing a net metal weight (NMW) of 4.4 grams (0.15 oz). Its diameter measures 19mm (.75 inches), making it slightly smaller than modern pennies but still almost double the size of today’s lincoln cents introduced in 1909.
Although no longer actively minted, flying eagle pennies remain popular among numismatists due to their iconic designs and historical value – factors that will likely ensure their collectability long into future generations!
Issuance And Distribution
The Flying Eagle Penny, also known as the Indian Head Cent, is a one-cent coin that was issued by the United States Mint from 1856 to 1858. It featured an eagle in flight on its obverse side and a wreath of corn and cotton on its reverse side. This penny was designed to replace the large cent coins that were then being used.
In order for this new penny to be successful, it had to meet certain requirements:
- The weight needed to be light enough to make them convenient for everyday transactions
- They had to have a high level of durability so they could handle regular circulation without wearing out quickly
- And most importantly, their design had to appeal to people so they would actually use them
The Flying Eagle Penny met all these criteria, which led it being approved by Congress and released into circulation.
To date, there are still many examples of this historic coin around today due in part to its widespread acceptance when first issued.
Rarity And Collectability
The flying eagle penny has earned its place in the numismatic world as a rare and collectable coin. Its rarity is not only due to its short minting period of 1856-1858, but also because fewer than 1 million were actually issued during this time.
As such, these coins are highly sought after by collectors everywhere. The design of the flying eagle penny makes it even more desirable for those who appreciate fine artistry on their coins.
The obverse features an eagle with outstretched wings soaring above the shield of America’s unions states. On the reverse side, one can find a wreath surrounding ‘One Cent’ at the center with ‘United States Of America’ listed along the top edge of the coin.
These unique designs make each specimen truly distinctive and special among other US coins from that era. This combination of rarity and beauty found within each piece created widespread demand for them; so much so that replicas have been made to satisfy public interest.
This speaks volumes about how valued they are among collections around the globe and why original specimens continue to fetch high prices in auctions today!
Market Value And Collecting Tips
The rarity and collectability of flying eagle pennies make them highly sought after by collectors. As such, the market value of these coins is quite high compared to other types of coins from the same era. Numismatists must be aware when making purchases or appraisals so that they don’t overpay for an item that isn’t truly valuable.
When it comes to collecting flying eagle pennies, there are several key tips for numismatists to keep in mind. First, always research a coin before buying or bidding on it—it’s important to know if it’s genuine and what its condition is like.
Second, buy only from reputable sellers who have experience dealing with rare coins; this will help ensure you get quality items at fair prices.
Lastly, never forget that these coins appreciate in value over time; even though initial investments may seem hefty upfront, long-term gains can be significant.
For those looking to start a collection of flying eagle pennies, investing knowledge and patience will pay off handsomely down the road. Taking care to purchase only authentic items from trusted sources is essential for any serious collector seeking lasting success in their hobby. With proper stewardship, both novice and experienced numismatists alike can enjoy many years of fruitful collecting ahead!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Tell If My 1857 Flying Eagle Penny Is Genuine?
Numismatists know that the 1857 Flying Eagle penny is a highly sought after coin due to its rarity and value.
However, it’s important for collectors to be able to tell if their coins are genuine or not in order to avoid any potential scams.
To determine authenticity, careful examination of the design must be done as well as research into other known varieties of this type of coin.
Additionally, obtaining an expert opinion from a numismatics specialist can help confirm the identity and authenticity of the coin.
Where Can I Find More Information About The History Of The 1857 Flying Eagle Penny?
As a numismatist, I’m often asked about the history of various coins. One particular coin that has an interesting story is the 1857 Flying Eagle Penny.
Take for example one of my customers who recently came to me with his genuine specimen. To answer his questions and give him more information on its background, I consulted a variety of resources such as auction records, reference books, and historical documents.
From there I was able to construct a brief overview of this unique penny’s place in American numismatic history – from its design and mintage process down to how it became desirable among collectors today.
What Is The Most Valuable 1857 Flying Eagle Penny?
The most valuable 1857 flying eagle penny is one in pristine condition. Numismatists consider the grade of a coin to be highly important, as it can drastically affect its worth.
An example of this would be an uncirculated specimen; if such a penny were found, it could fetch prices over $1,000 due to its rarity and high quality. In contrast, circulated coins are much less expensive than their mint-state counterparts.
As a result, being able to identify the grade of a particular piece is essential for properly valuing any 1857 flying eagle penny.
Are There Any Counterfeit 1857 Flying Eagle Pennies Circulating?
In the world of numismatics, counterfeiting is an age-old problem.
As a result, collectors must take extra care to ensure their coins are authentic when dealing with rare items such as the 1857 flying eagle penny.
When it comes to these types of coins, there have been instances where counterfeit copies have circulated and fooled even experienced industry professionals.
In order to stay safe, always use trusted dealers and resources in order to make sure your coin collection remains free from fakes.
Are There Any Special Editions Of The 1857 Flying Eagle Penny?
As a numismatist, I’m often asked about special editions of classic coins. The 1857 Flying Eagle penny is no exception as it has numerous variants and varieties that were created in limited numbers for specific purposes.
For example, the two most commonly encountered special editions are the proof variety and the three-cent silver piece which was struck from1856 to 1889 with different reverse designs each year.
There are also some rare patterns that have been discovered over time such as one called the Liberty sitting eagle pattern produced by Chief Engraver James B. Longacre but these pieces are incredibly hard to find!
Conclusion
As a numismatist, I can confidently say that the 1857 Flying Eagle Penny is a truly remarkable piece of American history. With its distinctive design and historical significance, it’s no surprise that these coins are highly sought after by collectors around the world.
From novice to expert collectors, everyone should take a closer look at this coin – you never know when you’ll find something special!
It’s important for any collector to be aware of potential counterfeits as well as any other editions or varieties of the 1857 Flying Eagle Penny – like finding a needle in a haystack! It takes careful research and attention to detail to make sure your collection contains only genuine pieces.
As they say: ‘A penny saved is a penny earned’ – so make sure your pennies are worth their weight in gold!
