The rising cost of copper in the 1850s brought a major reduction in the size of the cent. The first small-size 1¢ coins were the Flying Eagle cents minted in 88% copper and 12% nickel as a pattern in 1856 and for circulation during 1857-1858. Designed by James B. Longacre, these short-lived coins feature an eagle in flight on the obverse and a wreath of corn, wheat, cotton and tobacco surrounding the inscription one cent on the reverse. Large Letter and Small Letter varieties were struck in 1858.
1857 Flying Eagle Cent AU 55 NGC Copper-Nickel Penny Coin SKU:I2881
Sale price$559.99
Save $10.00
1857 Flying Eagle Cent AU 58 PCGS Copper-Nickel Penny 1c SKU:IPC7286
Sale price$579.99
Regular price$589.99
1857 Flying Eagle Cent AU 58 PCGS Copper-Nickel Penny Coin SKU:I2954
Sale price$789.99
1857 Flying Eagle Cent MS 61 ICG Copper-Nickel Uncirculated SKU:I8408
Sale price$749.99
1858 Large Letters DDO S-6 Flying Eagle Cent VF Very Fine SKU:I4385
Sale price$99.99
1858 Small Letters Flying Eagle Cent AU 53 NGC Copper-Nickel SKU:I3070
Sale price$409.99
1858 Small Letters Flying Eagle Cent AU 55 NGC Copper-Nickel SKU:I3056
Sale price$464.99
1858 Small Letters Flying Eagle Cent PR 64 PCGS CAC Penny 1c Proof
Sale price$12,999.99
1858 Small Letters Flying Eagle Cent VF Very Fine Penny SKU:I8925
Sale price$89.99