Flying Eagle Cent Value
1856-1858 · 1¢ · 88% copper 12% nickel
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $25.00 |
| Good (G-4) | $45.00 |
| Fine (F-12) | $120.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $450.00 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $1,350 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $6,750 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1856 | Pattern issue with approximately 2,000 struck, highly coveted | $8,000–$35,000 |
| 1857 | First year of regular production, 17.45 million minted | $25–$450 |
| 1858 | Two varieties exist: large letter and small letter | $25–$500 |
| 1858/7 | Overdate variety with 8 struck over 7 | $75–$2,000 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- James B. Longacre
- Years
- 1856-1858
- Denomination
- 1¢
- Composition
- 88% copper 12% nickel
- Diameter
- 19 mm
- Weight
- 4.67 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
Flying Eagle Cent: History & Background
The Flying Eagle Cent was the first small-size cent produced by the U.S. Mint, replacing the cumbersome large copper cent. Designed by James B. Longacre, the obverse features an eagle in flight inspired by the Gobrecht Dollar, while the reverse displays a wreath. The 1856 issue was a pattern coin struck in limited quantities of roughly 2,000 pieces to demonstrate the new format to Congress. Production difficulties with the high-relief design led to its replacement by the Indian Head cent in 1859, making this one of the shortest-lived series in American numismatics.
How to Grade a Flying Eagle Cent
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →
What Affects Flying Eagle Cent Value?
Condition & Grade
The grade spread for Flying Eagle Cents is dramatic: a common-date example jumps from $25.00 in Poor to $450.00 in Uncirculated — a 18× increase. Gem-quality MS-65 specimens can reach $1,350 or more. Even a single grade point difference at the upper end can double a coin's price.
Date & Mintmark
The Flying Eagle Cent series has 4 notable key dates. The 1856 is valued at $8,000–$35,000, far above common dates. Mintmark location and variety (such as overdates or repunched marks) can multiply a coin's value significantly.
Collector Demand
As a 88% copper 12% nickel coin, the Flying Eagle Cent derives its value entirely from collector demand rather than metal content. This makes condition and rarity even more important — heavily worn common dates may trade near face value, while key dates and high-grade examples command strong premiums.
Strike Quality & Eye Appeal
Designed by James B. Longacre, the Flying Eagle Cent (19mm diameter) can exhibit varying strike quality across different mint facilities and years. Coins with full, sharp design details, original luster, and attractive toning trade at premiums of 20–50% above the same technical grade with average eye appeal.
Collector Notes: Flying Eagle Cent
The Flying Eagle Cent (1856-1858) holds a distinctive place in US numismatics. Designed by James B. Longacre, this 1¢ coin was struck in 88% copper 12% nickel with a diameter of 19mm and weight of 4.67 grams. These physical specifications are essential for authentication — any deviation from these measurements is a red flag for counterfeits.
Collectors approaching the Flying Eagle Cent series should start by assembling a date-and-mintmark set in a consistent grade. Fine (F-12) offers a good balance of affordability and visual appeal for most dates, with clear design elements still visible. Budget roughly $120.00 per common date in Fine condition, then set aside a larger budget for the 4 key dates in the series.
For registry set collectors pursuing top grades, the Flying Eagle Cent in MS-65 or better represents a more significant investment at $1,350+ per coin. Population reports from PCGS and NGC show that the supply of certified high-grade examples is limited, and competition among registry set collectors has driven premiums for condition-census coins.
Before purchasing any Flying Eagle Cent valued above $100, we recommend reviewing our 2026 US Coin Values Quick Reference PDF ($2.99) which includes a complete grade-by-grade price breakdown and key date identification guide for this series.
Flying Eagle Cent: Frequently Asked Questions
▶How much is a Flying Eagle Cent worth today?
A Flying Eagle Cent (1856-1858) is worth between $25.00 in Poor condition and $450.00 or more in Uncirculated condition. In the most commonly found Fine grade, expect around $120.00. Gem specimens graded MS-65 can reach $1,350 or higher. Values fluctuate with collector demand.
▶What is the most valuable Flying Eagle Cent?
The most valuable Flying Eagle Cent is the 1856 — pattern issue with approximately 2,000 struck, highly coveted. This date is valued at $8,000–$35,000 depending on grade and condition. Always have potentially valuable dates authenticated by PCGS or NGC before selling.
▶How do I grade a Flying Eagle Cent?
Grading a Flying Eagle Cent starts with examining the highest points of the design, where wear appears first. Look for remaining luster, sharpness of details, and surface marks. The Sheldon scale runs from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect). For this series, the jump from Fine (F-12, worth ~$120.00) to Uncirculated (MS-63, worth ~$450.00) is significant. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC costs $20–$50 per coin and is recommended for coins that appear to be worth $100 or more. Our PDF guide ($2.99) includes a visual grading chart for this series.
▶Where is the best place to sell Flying Eagle Cents?
For common-date Flying Eagle Cents in circulated grades, local coin shops and eBay are practical options — expect 70–85% of retail value. For key dates or high-grade examples, Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers will reach the most serious buyers and typically achieve the strongest prices. PCGS or NGC certification is essential before consigning valuable coins to auction. For a detailed selling strategy, see our selling guide.
▶Are there error varieties of the Flying Eagle Cent?
Yes. Known Flying Eagle Cent errors include doubled die obverses and reverses, repunched mintmarks, off-center strikes, and die cracks. This series has notable varieties such as the 1858/7. Always examine coins under magnification to check for die doubling, especially on lettering and dates.
▶How can I tell if my Flying Eagle Cent is real?
Authentic Flying Eagle Cents weigh 4.67 grams and measure 19 mm in diameter. Check the weight with a precision scale (digital scales accurate to 0.01g are available for under $20). The coin should be composed of 88% copper 12% nickel. Counterfeit coins often fail the weight test, show seams on the edge, or have mushy design details. For valuable dates, always obtain PCGS or NGC authentication — the cost is minimal compared to the risk of buying or selling a counterfeit.
▶What affects the value of a Flying Eagle Cent the most?
The four biggest value drivers for Flying Eagle Cents are: (1) Grade — the difference between Good and Uncirculated is $405.00 for common dates; (2) Date and mintmark — key dates like 1856 command large premiums; (3) Eye appeal — original surfaces, attractive toning, and strong strikes increase desirability among collectors.
▶How many Flying Eagle Cents were made?
The Flying Eagle Cent was produced from 1856-1858. Mintage varied widely by year and mint — some dates had millions struck while key dates had far fewer. The scarce 1856 is especially sought after. Check our full value table above for key dates and their relative scarcity.
▶Should I clean my Flying Eagle Cent?
Never clean a Flying Eagle Cent or any collectible coin. Cleaning removes the original surface and patina, which collectors prize — a cleaned coin can lose 50% or more of its value compared to an original, naturally toned example. Even coins that look "dirty" often have desirable original toning. If you must remove loose debris, hold the coin by its edges and gently rinse with distilled water. Our coin storage guide has more preservation tips.
▶Is the Flying Eagle Cent a good investment?
Flying Eagle Cents in key dates and high grades have historically appreciated well. Common dates in circulated grades are affordable entry points. For investment purposes, focus on PCGS/NGC-certified examples in grades of Fine or better, and prioritize key dates with low mintages. Our PDF Quick Reference Guide ($2.99) covers all Flying Eagle Cent dates and values to help identify the best opportunities.