Flying Eagle Penny Values
How Much Flying Eagle Pennies are Worth: Flying Eagle Penny Values & Coin Price Chart
Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1856 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $8,650.00 | $10,575.00 | $11,500.00 | $13,020.00 | $14,055.00 | $19,163.00 | $26,950.00 | $42,650.00 | $81,250.00 | $279,500.00 |
| 1857 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $42 | $90 | $150 | $190 | $311 | $614 | $1,153.00 | $1,725.00 | $3,230.00 | $10,790.00 |
| 1858 | (None) Phil | Large Letters | -- | $80 | $51 | $150 | $270 | $286 | $589 | $1,228.00 | $1,950.00 | $3,505.00 | $9,100.00 |
| 1858/7 | (None) Phil | Strong | -- | $183 | $287 | $400 | $850 | $1,570.00 | $3,995.00 | $10,100.00 | $33,495.00 | $49,800.00 | $137,500.00 |
| 1858/(7) | (None) Phil | Weak | -- | $75 | $131 | $162 | $292 | $407 | $656 | $1,281.00 | $1,983.00 | $3,146.00 | -- |
| 1858 | (None) Phil | Small Letters | -- | $60 | $80 | $100 | $177 | $430 | $671 | $1,471.00 | $2,225.00 | $4,395.00 | $21,650.00 |
History of the Flying Eagle Penny
The Flying Eagle Penny was introduced in 1856 in response to the rising cost of producing large cents. The smaller coin was composed of 88% copper and 12% nickel, giving it a lighter color that earned the nickname “nick.” Later designs transitioned to a bronze composition.
Designed by James B. Longacre, the Flying Eagle Penny features a left-facing eagle in flight on the obverse, symbolizing national pride. On the reverse, a wreath of agricultural products surrounds the denomination “ONE CENT.”
These 1856 coins were not officially authorized for circulation but were distributed as transitional pieces to gain approval. Regular production and circulation of the Flying Eagle Penny began in 1857 after Congress formally authorized the new small cent.
Due to striking difficulties caused by the hard copper-nickel alloy and high relief design, the Flying Eagle series ended after the 1858 circulation issue and was replaced by the Indian Head Penny beginning in 1859.
Rarest Coins in the Series
- 1856 Pattern Coin: A limited number, estimated in the low thousands, was struck and distributed to legislators and officials. Today, it is among the most sought-after U.S. pattern coins.
- 1857 First Circulating Issue: The first official year of mass production.
- 1858 Large Letters & Small Letters Varieties: A design variation where the lettering size in “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” differs due to die modifications.
Types of Collections
- Basic Date Set: This is the most common Flying Eagle penny collection, which includes the 1857, 1858 Small Letters, and 1858 Large Letters coins. It’s simple yet rewarding, as these three coins represent all the main circulation varieties in the series.
- Complete Date and Variety Set: This set adds the rare 1856 Flying Eagle pattern cent, the 1857, and both 1858 letter varieties.
- Type Set Collection: In a U.S. type set, a single Flying Eagle penny is selected to represent “the first small cent” type. Most collectors use the 1857 or 1858 date to symbolize this historic transition coin in a broader set that includes other U.S. cent designs, such as the Indian Head and Lincoln Cents.
- Flying Eagle and Indian Head Combination Set: This dual-series collection covers the Flying Eagle cents (1856–1858) and the Indian Head cents (1859–1909). It showcases the full evolution of early small cents designed by Chief Engraver James B. Longacre and offers a cohesive look at his artistic and technical development.
- High-Grade or Proof Focus Set: This specialized collection includes uncirculated or proof strikes of the 1857 and 1858 issues. It appeals to collectors interested in strike quality, luster, and early U.S. Mint proof production.
- Variety and Error Set: Dedicated to minor die differences and minting anomalies, this collection includes errors such as clashed dies, die cracks, and differences in lettering spacing, especially between the 1858 Small and Large Letter varieties. It’s ideal for specialists who enjoy cherry-picking rare die states and study-level variety collecting.
Beginner vs. Advanced Collecting
Beginner Collecting
Flying Eagle Pennies were produced for circulation in 1857 and 1858; these business-strike issues are much more available and modestly priced in circulated grades compared with the scarcer 1856 issue. New collectors can start with circulated 1857 and 1858 coins obtained from reputable dealers or auction houses. Look for pieces with clear dates, as much eagle feather detail as possible, and minimal damage or corrosion. Because these coins are struck in a copper-nickel alloy, store them in archival-quality, non-PVC holders in a stable, low-humidity environment to help protect their surfaces.
Advanced Collecting
Advanced collectors may pursue higher-grade 1857 and 1858 business strikes, scarce varieties, proofs, and the 1856 Flying Eagle cent, a pattern issue struck in limited numbers and widely collected as part of the series. Well-preserved 1856 examples and high-grade coins from other dates have realized record prices at major auctions, sometimes reaching six figures. Building a comprehensive Flying Eagle collection that includes major dates, varieties, and proofs typically requires significant time, research, and financial outlay, along with careful study of sharp feather and wreath details and originality of surfaces. Valuable coins are commonly kept in certified slabs and stored in temperature- and humidity-controlled environments to help preserve their condition.
Investment Potential
The Flying Eagle Cent value has been steady over time. Coins such as the 1856 pattern, 1858 Small Letters, and high-grade 1857 issues have shown consistent collector demand and strong market performance over time. Additionally, proof issues and fully struck specimens hold strong collector demand.