Flying Eagle Cent

The Flying Eagle cent was a U.S. one-cent coin struck in 1856 as a pattern and for circulation in 1857 and 1858. Designed by James B. Longacre, it featured an eagle in flight and was minted to replace the large, unpopular copper cent.

Get an appraisal

Instant value guide

A pile of coins in holders held by a hand, highlighting the natural state of coins and the selling considerations.

Historical Context

By the 1850s, the large copper cent was costly and impractical. In response, the U.S. Mint created the smaller Flying Eagle cent using a copper-nickel alloy. Released in 1857, the coin was soon replaced by the Indian Head cent due to striking issues.

Get an appraisal

Specifications:

Size: 19 millimeters
Denomination: 1 cent
Gross Weight: 4.67 grams
Actual Gold Weight: N/A (copper-nickel alloy)
Fineness/Composition: 88% copper, 12% nickel
Diameter: 19 millimeters
Thickness: Not listed
Specific Gravity: Not listed

Coin Description:

The obverse depicts an eagle in flight, a design based on Christian Gobrecht's earlier work. The reverse features a wreath of agricultural products including wheat, corn, and cotton, symbolizing both the North and South.

Get an appraisal

Cultural and Numismatic Significance:

The Flying Eagle cent holds historical significance as the U.S.'s first small cent, paving the way for future coinage. Although struck for only two years, its rarity, particularly the 1856 version, makes it highly collectible today.

Hand using a magnifying glass to appraise coins in a collection, highlighting the debate on cleaning coins before appraisals.

Numismatic Value:

The 1856 Flying Eagle cent is valued at over $6,500 in lower grades, reaching $20,000 or more in higher mint conditions. The 1857 and 1858 coins range from $30 to $11,000, depending on grade.

Free Appraisal With No Obligation To Sell

Take the first step toward selling your silver coins by getting a free appraisal today. Our process is designed to be transparent, convenient, and stress-free, giving you the confidence to sell when you’re ready.

At Coinfully, we’re committed to helping you get the most for your silver coins—all from the comfort of your home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know I’m getting a fair price for my pennies?

At Coinfully, we pride ourselves on transparency. Our appraisals are based on the current market value of your pennies, including their metal content and numismatic value. We provide a detailed breakdown of how we determine your offer so that you can be fully informed and confident in the price you receive.

Is my shipment insured when I send my pennies to Coinfully?

Yes, we provide full insurance coverage for your shipment. Whether you’re sending Flowing Hair pennies, Indian Head pennies, or Lincoln cents, your coins are insured throughout the entire shipping process, ensuring that your valuable items are protected and safe.

What types of pennies does Coinfully buy?

We buy all types of U.S. pennies, including Flowing Hair, Liberty Cap, Draped Bust, Indian Head, and Lincoln pennies, and other collectible pennies. Whether your pennies are valuable for their metal content or their collectibility, we’re interested in making you a competitive offer.

What if I’m not ready to sell after receiving an appraisal?

There’s no obligation to sell your pennies after receiving an appraisal from Coinfully. We provide a free, no-pressure appraisal service to help you understand the value of your coins. You can choose to sell when you’re ready, with no pressure from us.

View Our Key Services