The Flying Eagle Cent was only struck for circulation for 2 years, from 1857-1858! This is one of the shortest lived coin series in U.S. history. The Flying Eagle Cent was the U.S. Mint's first foray into a smaller sized penny like the Lincoln cent we have today. The previous Large Cent's size and pure copper content made it no longer economically feasible to produce. The smaller Flying Eagle cent required less than half the amount of copper per coin. The 40 million cents minted over those two years was a new record at the time, but compared to the billions of modern pennies minted, it's a tiny amount!
This smaller cent was a huge success on release due to their convenience and stunning patriotic design, and are still widely collected over 150 years later! The obverse features a patriotic eagle and a bundle of fall foliage on the reverse, and is one of the only U.S. coins with an eagle on the obverse instead of a portrait. This set includes (1) 1857 Flying Eagle Cent and (1) 1858 Flying Eagle Cent in circulated condition. These are the first and last years of issue for this copper cent. Add this incredible set of the first small cents to your collection today!
Highlights:
- One of the shortest mintages ever
- The first small cent!
- First and Last years of issue
