1858 Flying Eagle (Large Letters) Value
So, let’s dive into the 1858 Flying Eagle Cent, a coin that comes in two flavors: Large Letters and Small Letters. The main thing to look out for is the spacing between the “A” and “M” in “America.” If there’s a gap, you’ve got the Small Letters variety. If they’re cozy and almost touching, that’s the Large Letters version. Fun fact: the Large Letters were actually minted first, according to some die state research. These coins were part of the first small cent series in the U.S., minted from 1856 to 1858, stepping in to replace the more expensive Large Cents. The design features an eagle in flight on the front and “ONE CENT” surrounded by a wreath on the back. They were pretty popular before being quickly phased out, but all three years of these coins are still a hit with collectors. Many see them as the warm-up act for the Indian Head Cents that followed.
Assessing the condition of a 1858 Flying Eagle coin.
Uncirculated: An Uncirculated coin is one that’s never been used in transactions or for buying stuff. Because of this, it keeps a lot of its original shine, though some of that sparkle might have faded over time. The surface is still in great shape, so you can easily see all the designs and inscriptions.
Extremely Fine: An Extremely Fine 1858 Flying Eagle coin shows just a little bit of wear but still looks pretty much like new. Its shine might have dulled a bit, but it’s still a real beauty, especially when you think about how old it is.
Fine: A Flying Eagle coin that’s considered Fine will have noticeable wear but still keeps most of its imagery and texture. Some inscriptions might be a bit faded, but overall, it’s in decent shape. The eagle might look a bit dull because it’s been around the block a few times.
Good: An 1858 Flying Eagle coin in Good condition will have quite a bit of wear and tear. You’ll see clear signs of use, like scratches and worn-down designs. After all those years of being passed around, it’s lost a lot of its original shine.
Valuing the 1858 Flying Eagle Coin
The Flying Eagle Cent is crafted from a composition of 88% copper and 12% nickel. This coin holds significant value for collectors aiming to complete their Flying Eagle Cent Collection. Notably, the Flying Eagle with Large Letters is less common than its Small Letter counterpart. To accurately assess the value of an 1858 Flying Eagle, one must consider the coin’s condition, as the price tends to increase with better quality. The chart below will assist you in determining the value of a Flying Eagle based on its specific condition and grade.
Good: $30
Fine: $50
Extremely Fine: $150
Uncirculated: $225
