Flying Eagle Cent 1856

The Flying Eagle Cent 1856 has a rich history. Initially, it was created as a special coin that was handed out to members of Congress and visiting dignitaries. Because it was a presentation piece that was minted before the Civil War, it quickly became sought after and helped make coin collecting a more popular hobby in the United States. 

History of the Flying Eagle Cent

This coin is also unique because it was minted in Philadelphia at the country’s first US mint facility during a time of major changes. While the first “pennies” or single cent coins were produced in 1793, they weren’t popular or officially authorized by the government. At the time, people were used to paying with silver and gold and there was a lot of resistance to making the change to other forms of legal tender. 

Early one cent coins were made entirely of copper and about the size of a half dollar, but by 1855, it became clear that this approach was too expensive. In response, the US Mint Director, James Snowden, introduced a smaller penny that was produced using a combination of metals. The Flying Eagle cent is the first example of the smaller design and 634 were produced before Congress had even legalized this new tender. 

Flying Eagle Cent Value

As a result of all these factors, the Flying Eagle penny is a prized possession for experienced coin collectors who are interested in American history. Today, the value of a high-quality, early Flying Eagle Penny is in the thousands.  

 

Type of coin: One Cent

Year: 1856 Flying Eagle Cent

Mint Mark: Philadelphia

Total mintage: 634

Metal content: 88 % Copper and 12% Nickel

Face value: One Cent

Weight: 4.70 grams

Edge: Plain

Designer: James Barton Longacre

Diameter: 19 millimeters