US Patterns- WHAT U.S. COINAGE COULD HAVE BEEN
J-180 One Cent: Flying Eagle small size

Owner Comments:

Judd-180, Pollock P-212
Rarity: R.2 PR63 CAC Endorsed

Struck in copper Nickel with plain Edge

Obverse: A eagle in flight to the left with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA above and the date below.
Reverse: The denomination "ONE CENT" within an agricultural wreath of corn, wheat,cotton and tobacco leaves.

In Pollock this is the reverse type "B" diagnostic by "E" in CENT is open and "E" in ONE is closed combined with the tip of of the leaf is above the base of the "C" and the tip of the leaf near the "T" is well below the base of the "T"

Comment:
Richard Snow outlines nicely the 1856 history in “A guide Book of Flying Eagle and Indian Head Cents”. It appeared the 1st batch of patterns were struck in Mint State and freely exchange hands within the government with hundreds of samples and most likely many made their way into circulation. After the 1857 Eagle production started and release collectors became interested in finding 1856 pieces. The mint director ordered additional Proof formats minted in 1858 . The Snow -9 Center Dot is the diagnostic for these “RESTRIKE” proof versions