Flying Eagle Cent (1856-1858)
Mint Mark Information

Beginning in 1849, the US Mint began considering the possibility of producing one cent coins with diameters smaller than the Large Cent, which had been struck virtually every year since 1793.

After extensive experimentation, Director James Snowden in 1856 concluded a small cent made of 88% copper and 12% nickel was the best choice. The flying eagle featured in Christian Gobrecht’s silver dollar served as the design model.

About 1000 pattern Flying Eagle Cents were struck in 1856. Approximately 650 were distributed to members of Congress, 200 to the Committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures, and four to President Franklin Pierce. Some pieces went to newspaper editors, persons connected to the Treasury Department, and other VIPs.

The Act of Feb 21, 1857, required a small cent composed of the copper-nickel allow be produced, while retiring the large cent and half cent. Over 42 million Flying Eagle Cents were released over the next two years.

Production was halted in 1858 because of manufacturing difficulties inherent in the Flying Eagle design. During the striking action, there was insufficient metal flow to fill the eagle’s head and tail, because portions of the reverse wreath were competing for the same metal.

This led to the introduction of the Indian Head Cent in 1859, which became a mainstay in American life for the next half century.

Flying Eagle Cent Obverse

Flying Eagle Cent Reverse

The following table shows there are no Mint Marks on the Flying Eagle Cent:

Flying Eagle Cents all came from the Philadelphia Mint, which did not use a Mint Mark until 1942. The Flying Eagle Cent is pictured at right. Thank you to Goldberg Coins for providing photos.

The first Flying Eagle Cent, the 1856, is one of the great rarities in US numismatics. It is superb choice to own, but there are many fakes and alterations in existence to deceive collectors. If you purchase a example of this key date, you can do so with confidence if the coin has been certified by PCGS, NGC, ICG, or ANACS.

The eBay link below will open a new window that shows all the certified Flying Eagle Cents currently for sale. Good luck in finding an 1856 for sale. Oh, by the way, the 1857 and 1858 are worthy acquisitions to your collection likewise.

Flying Eagle Cents