1858 Flying Eagle (Small Letters) Value
So, let’s talk about the 1858 Flying Eagle Cent. It’s got two main versions: Large Letters and Small Letters. The difference? It’s all in the spacing of the letters in “America.” The Small Letter version has a noticeable gap between the “A” and “M,” while the Large Letter version has them almost touching. It’s like they couldn’t decide how close they wanted the letters to be. Turns out, the Large Letter coins were made first, according to the die states on the reverse. These coins were minted from 1856 to 1858 and marked the U.S.’s first foray into small cents, ditching the more expensive Large Cents. The front of the coin has an eagle in flight, and the back says “ONE CENT” surrounded by a wreath. They made a bunch of these before moving on to a new design. Collectors are all over these coins, snapping them up as a lead-in to the Indian Head Cents that came next.
Evaluating the condition of a 1858 Flying Eagle coin.
Uncirculated coins are like those fresh-out-of-the-mint pieces that have never been used in everyday transactions. They usually keep a lot of their original shine, even if some of it has faded over time. The surface is in top-notch condition, so you can clearly see all the designs and inscriptions.
An Extremely Fine 1858 Flying Eagle coin might show a few tiny signs of wear, but overall, it looks almost perfect. Its shine might have dulled a bit, but it’s still really appealing, especially considering it’s been around for over a hundred years.
A Fine Flying Eagle coin will have noticeable wear, but you can still see much of its original design and texture. Some inscriptions might be worn down, but it’s still in decent shape. The eagle design might look a bit dull, showing that it’s been through a lot of hands over the years.
When it comes to a Good condition 1858 Flying Eagle coin, you’ll see quite a bit of wear and some damage, like scratches and worn-down features. Its shine will have mostly faded from all the use, giving it a well-worn look.
Valuing the 1858 Flying Eagle Coin
The Flying Eagle Cent, made up of 88% copper and 12% nickel, 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 Letters counterpart. To accurately assess the value of an 1858 Flying Eagle, one must consider the coin’s condition, as higher-grade specimens command elevated prices. The chart provided 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
