1856 Flying Eagle Cent
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$172,500 MS66 01-07-2004 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1856 Flying Eagle Cent represents a Philadelphia Mint issue from the Flying Eagle Cents 1856-1858 series. With a mintage of 634, this is an extremely rare issue — the lower-mintage of the two mint variants. The obverse features a flying eagle in mid-flight, adapted from the Gobrecht dollar reverse and the reverse displays a wreath enclosing ONE CENT. Technically a pattern — approximately 2,000 were struck before Congress officially authorized the small cent format. The 1856 Flying Eagle is one of the most famous and valuable U.S. pattern coins. Philadelphia's mint — the nation's first — has produced coins without interruption since its founding in 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $9.3K to $31K depending on grade and condition. Struck in copper-nickel, weighing 4.7 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #2013.
External References
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