US Flying Eagle Cent Coins

The Flying Eagle Cent is a United States coin that was minted for a brief period from 1856 to 1858. It holds historical significance as it marked a transition in the design and composition of the one-cent coin.

In the mid-19th century, the large-sized copper penny, known as the "Large Cent," was becoming impractical due to its size and cost of production. As a result, there was a need for a smaller, more cost-effective coin. The Flying Eagle Cent was introduced as a response to these concerns.

The design of the Flying Eagle Cent was the result of a competition held by the United States Mint. The winning design was created by James B. Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the Mint at the time. Longacre's design featured an eagle in flight on the obverse (front) side of the coin, giving rise to its name. The reverse (back) side depicted the denomination "ONE CENT" surrounded by a wreath.

The Flying Eagle Cent was the first small-sized cent coin produced by the United States Mint. It had a diameter of 19mm, making it significantly smaller than its predecessor. Additionally, the coin's composition consisted of 88% copper and 12% nickel, giving it a white appearance. This composition was later adjusted to 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc in 1857.

Although the Flying Eagle Cent was well-received by the public, it faced production challenges due to the intricacy of the design and the difficulty in striking the coins. The dies used in the minting process wore out quickly, leading to production delays and higher costs. These issues prompted the Mint to consider alternative designs for the one-cent coin.

In 1859, the Flying Eagle Cent was replaced by the Indian Head Cent, which featured a Native American chief on the obverse and a wreath on the reverse. The Indian Head Cent went on to be minted until 1909 when it was succeeded by the Lincoln Cent, which is still in circulation today.

Due to its limited production period and historical significance, the Flying Eagle Cent has become a sought-after coin among collectors. Its short-lived mintage, coupled with its smaller size and unique design, contributes to its desirability. Today, Flying Eagle Cents are considered numismatic treasures and can command significant value depending on their condition and rarity.