1857 Flying Eagle Value
Back in 1857, the U.S. Mint decided it was time to switch things up, moving from those hefty large cents to something a bit more pocket-friendly. The Flying Eagle penny, which had a little test run in 1856, wasn’t officially on the books until 1857. That’s when they really kicked things off with the small cents for circulation. This coin was a big deal back then, made from copper-nickel with a Flying Eagle on the front and “ONE CENT” surrounded by a wreath on the back. It’s a popular pick for collectors, especially since it was only around for two years. The Mint went all out with this design, cranking out over 10 million of these coins, which was a first. Thanks to the buzz it created, a lot of folks held onto them, so they’re still pretty easy to find today.
Evaluating the Quality of the 1857 Flying Eagle Coin
Right now, if you’ve got a circulated 1857 Flying Eagle penny, it’s worth about $30. But if you’ve got one that’s uncirculated, it could be valued at $225 or even more. With the rise in counterfeits of these early small cents, it’s really important to make sure any high-grade Flying Eagle pennies you buy come with proper certification and authentication.
When we talk about uncirculated coins, we’re looking at Flying Eagle pennies that haven’t been passed around much. They’ve stayed in great shape over the years, showing off their original design and texture nicely. Some might have lost a bit of their shine, but they’re still impressive.
Extremely fine coins have been around the block a little but are still in excellent condition. They might have a few minor scratches or small imperfections, but they still look pretty good.
Fine grade coins have been in circulation for a while but haven’t been seriously damaged. You might see some noticeable scratches, but the main features of the coin are still there. They’re in decent shape, even with some wear.
Good grade coins have seen a lot of action over the years. A 1857 Flying Eagle penny in this category will usually show significant wear, like scratches, chips, and general deterioration. Sometimes, they might even be bent or have deeper chips.
Valuing the 1857 Flying Eagle Coin
To determine the value of these coins, the key factor is the grade assigned to each one. Collectors prioritize the coin’s condition, and those in excellent condition often command higher prices, prompting buyers to invest significantly. The chart below provides valuable insights into the market prices for graded 1857 Flying Eagle coins.
Good: $30
Fine: $50
Extremely Fine: $150
Uncirculated: $225
