1857 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
$32,200 MS66 01-05-2006 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1857 Flying Eagle Cent is a cent produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the Flying Eagle Cents 1856-1858 series. With a mintage of 17.4 million, this is a less common 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. First year of regular production and the first small cent for general circulation. The public enthusiastically adopted the smaller format, and the old large cents were rapidly retired from commerce. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $38 to $1.3K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 88% copper, 12% nickel, weighing 4.7 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #2016.
External References
Error Varieties(10)
1857 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001
1857 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002
1857 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003
1857 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004
1857 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-005
1857 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-006
1857 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-007
1857 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-008
1857 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-009
