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1C FLYING EAGLE (1856-1858)
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Coin Details
Origin/Country: |
United States |
Design Description: |
CENTS - FLYING EAGLE |
Item Description: |
1C 1857 EAGLE |
Full Grade: |
PCGS MS 63 |
Owner: |
SJTobin |
Owner Comments:
Replacing the unpopular and expensive large cents, the Flying Eagle Cent was struck for circulation in 1857 and 1858. Although 1856 Flying Eagle Cents exist in both circulation strike and proof format, these are in fact pattern coins and not regular issues. The new cents were designed by James Barton Longacre. The obverse displays a flying eagle, as used on the silver dollars made in the 1830’s designed by Christian Gobrecht. It soon become apparent that the cents were too difficult to strike, as the relief was too high. The design was abandoned, and replaced by the Indian Head Cent in 1859. Although minted for 2 years, this coin had a short enough run and represented a major change in cent production and therefore qualifies for my set criteria.