U.S. COIN REFERENCE · Flying Eagle cent
Flying Eagle cents: the small cent’s short beginning
Three dates hide different strikes, letter styles, and an important overdate.
By SalarsNet · Reviewed October 5, 2026
A smaller coin with a new alloy
The Flying Eagle cent replaced the large-cent format with a small copper-nickel coin. Regular authorized production began in 1857; 1856 pieces have an experimental and restrike history requiring separate treatment. Both proof and circulation-strike examples exist in the family, so the date by itself does not settle strike.
Type references: PCGS Flying Eagle Cent ↗
The eagle can be soft without being heavily worn
Look at the bird’s head, wing edges, breast, and tail together, then compare the reverse wreath. Tail detail can be weak from striking. Use changes in surface texture and evidence on several high points before assigning circulation wear. A proof claim needs more than a shiny field; lighting and cleaning can also produce that appearance.
Type references: PCGS Flying Eagle Cent ↗
Letters and the 1858/7
The 1858 large-letter and small-letter forms are different collecting units, with AM in AMERICA a useful area to photograph. The 1858/7 needs a specialist diagnostic match. Choose the letter form first, then search sales matching strike and surfaces. A complete three-date display and a variety collection will have different costs and requirements.
Type references: PCGS Flying Eagle Cent ↗
Selected reviewed issue records
These catalog standards describe the named issue, not a measured specimen. The selected records below do not cover every date, mint, strike, or die variety. Reported production is labeled separately from established mintage. Unknown standards and mintage remain visible; survival estimates and certified populations are separate research questions.
No issue-level specification or mintage records are published for this category yet. Verify the exact date, mint, strike, metal, and subtype in its reference before using a numerical standard.
References and review
Reference reviewed October 5, 2026. Historical facts and catalog standards need to match the exact issue; price comparisons should be researched at the time of valuation.