1857 Flying Eagle Cent Mule Die Clash with Quarter FS-901

Description

Among the most dramatic die varieties in American numismatics, this 1857 Flying Eagle Cent exhibits a mule die clash — a cross-denomination die clash with a quarter dollar die, designated FS-901 in the Cherrypickers' Guide. The Flying Eagle Cent holds a pivotal place in U.S. coinage history as the first small cent, replacing the large copper cent produced since 1793. The transition to the smaller format represented a fundamental change in American pocket change. A mule die clash occurs when dies from two different denominations come together without a planchet between them, transferring design elements from one denomination's die onto the other. Here, elements from a quarter dollar die were impressed onto the cent die, leaving incuse traces of the quarter's design visible on struck cents. Cross-denomination clashes are far rarer than same-denomination clashes, and a mule clash on the first-year small cent adds historical weight to an already exceptional variety. The FS-901 designation places this within the standard reference framework, recognized by major grading services for attribution.

Attribution History

• FS-901