The Flying Eagle Cent of 1858, specifically the Small Letters variety, is a coin of great historical and numismatic significance. This one-cent piece, featuring the same iconic design as its predecessor from 1857, represents an essential chapter in the evolution of United States coinage. Its history, design, minting process, denomination, and condition all contribute to its unique appeal.

The Flying Eagle Cent series originated as a response to the inefficiencies of the large cent coins that were in circulation during the mid-19th century. These larger coins were costly to produce and were becoming impractical for everyday transactions. To address these issues, the United States Mint decided to downsize the one-cent coin, leading to the introduction of the Flying Eagle Cent in 1857. This smaller and lighter coin was a significant departure from its predecessors.

The design of the Flying Eagle Cent is a testament to its timeless beauty and appeal. On the obverse of the coin, a majestic bald eagle is depicted in flight, with its wings fully extended. The eagle holds a bundle of arrows in its talons, symbolizing the nation's readiness to defend itself. The words \"UNITED STATES OF AMERICA\" encircle the eagle, emphasizing the coin's national identity. On the reverse of the coin, you'll find a wreath of laurel leaves encircling a small central shield. The laurel wreath is a symbol of victory and honor, while the shield represents the nation's strength and unity. Inside the wreath, the denomination \"ONE CENT\" is prominently displayed, making it clear that this coin represents a fraction of a dollar.

The Small Letters variety of the 1858 Flying Eagle Cent is known for its unique lettering style in the coin's inscription. Compared to the Large Letters variety, the Small Letters have more delicate and finely detailed lettering, adding to their visual appeal. This subtle difference in lettering style makes the Small Letters variety particularly sought after by collectors.

Just like its predecessor from 1857, the 1858 Flying Eagle Cent was minted using the \"narrow collar\" coinage technique. This method involved placing the blank planchet within a collar before striking it with the dies. This innovation ensured that the coins produced had consistent dimensions and improved production efficiency.

Regarding mintage, the 1858 Flying Eagle Cent was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, and it had a total mintage of approximately 24,600,000 pieces. This relatively high mintage makes the 1858 Small Letters Flying Eagle Cent more accessible to collectors compared to some other 19th-century coins with lower production numbers.

In terms of denomination, the Flying Eagle Cent has a face value of one cent. During its time in circulation, one cent had more purchasing power than it does today, making these coins essential for everyday transactions and trade.

As for the condition of a coin, the term \"Good\" typically indicates that the coin has seen significant circulation and exhibits noticeable wear. While this grade suggests wear and a loss of detail, it also signifies that the coin has not suffered from excessive damage or corrosion, preserving its historical integrity. Collectors often value coins in this condition for their historical significance and the story they tell of their time in circulation.

In conclusion, the 1858 Small Letters Flying Eagle Cent is a fascinating piece of American numismatic history. Its historical context, captivating design, innovative minting process, relatively high mintage, distinct denomination, and condition make it a coin of enduring interest to collectors and enthusiasts alike.

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The Flying Eagle Cent of 1858, specifically the Small Letters variety, is a coin of great historical and numismatic significance. This one-cent piece, featuring the same iconic design as its ...","showMultiPrice","delayDays","discounts",[],"images",[],"singlePrice","hasBtc","buyPriceFormat","priceFormat","26.50","priceCcFormat","27.56","priceBtcFormat","26.77","productId","isBullion","1225638531.jpg","product_image","hasDelayDate","isDelayed","isDescriptionMore","newProduct","displayQuantity","isOutOfStock","hasDiscounts","lowestSellPrice","lowestSellPriceFormat","isBuyable","isPriceTypeFormula","isBuyPriceTypeFormula","isFreeShipping","mainImage",{"_12":515,"_25":498,"_516":135,"_517":135,"_496":462,"_518":519,"_520":521,"_522":515,"_523":524},46529,"active","order","width",209,"height",208,"imageId","variants",{"_525":526,"_527":528},"avif",[519],"jpg",[519],{"_12":530,"_128":531,"_464":532,"_466":93,"_467":533,"_469":534,"_118":93,"_472":93,"_473":-5,"_100":535,"_475":536,"_477":537,"_479":538,"_481":135,"_482":-5,"_483":539,"_485":540,"_487":80,"_488":28,"_489":140,"_490":541,"_492":542,"_494":543,"_496":530,"_159":536,"_497":80,"_25":544,"_499":544,"_500":80,"_501":80,"_502":28,"_503":80,"_504":545,"_505":80,"_506":80,"_507":532,"_508":541,"_509":28,"_510":80,"_511":80,"_512":80,"_513":546},2431,"2002 Proof Set",9.5,"

The 2002 United States Proof Set is a remarkable collection of coins, minted to showcase the artistry and craftsmanship of the U.S. Mint. It consists of a complete set of proof coins, including the cent, nickel, dime, quarter, half dollar, and dollar coins, each struck with precision using specially polished dies. The set was issued by the U.S. Mint as part of its annual series of proof coin sets, which are widely sought after by collectors for their exceptional quality and historical significance.

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The 2002 Proof Set is notable for its inclusion of the newly designed state quarters that were part of the ongoing 50 State Quarters Program. This program, initiated in 1999, was designed to honor each state with its own unique reverse design, reflecting an important symbol or feature of that state. In 2002, five new state quarter designs were featured: Tennessee, Ohio, Louisiana, Indiana, and Mississippi. Each quarter was struck in proof quality, resulting in a brilliant finish with deep, mirrored fields and sharp details that make the coins highly collectible.

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The set also includes the traditional proof versions of the Lincoln cent, Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, and the Kennedy half dollar. The Kennedy half dollar, in particular, was a significant feature of the 2002 Proof Set, as it marked the continuation of the series, which had been issued annually since 1964. The design on the obverse of the Kennedy half dollar, featuring President John F. Kennedy’s portrait, has remained unchanged since its debut, maintaining its iconic status in U.S. coinage. The reverse of the half dollar features the Presidential Seal, which has been in use since 1968.

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One of the most unique aspects of the 2002 Proof Set is the inclusion of the Sacagawea dollar. This dollar coin, first introduced in 2000, features a striking image of the Shoshone woman Sacagawea, who assisted the Lewis and Clark expedition. The coin was created to honor Native American contributions to the history of the United States. The design is known for its distinctive and beautiful rendering of Sacagawea’s face, with the reverse featuring an eagle in flight. The 2002 Sacagawea dollar is part of the ongoing series of Native American-themed coins.

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Each coin in the 2002 Proof Set was struck by the U.S. Mint at the Philadelphia Mint using specially prepared proof dies. The proofing process involves multiple strikes on the coin, which results in sharp, well-defined images and a shiny, mirror-like surface that collectors find particularly appealing. Proof coins are typically struck in smaller quantities than their business strike counterparts, which makes them rarer and more desirable to collectors. The U.S. Mint carefully packages these coins in a protective plastic case, ensuring that the coins remain in pristine condition for years to come.

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The 2002 Proof Set was released in a specially designed packaging, which included a clear acrylic lens to display the coins. The set was accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, which assures collectors that the coins were struck by the U.S. Mint to the highest standards of quality. The packaging and certificate add an extra layer of value to the set, making it an attractive option for collectors and investors alike.

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In terms of mintage, the 2002 Proof Set had a relatively high production number compared to other years, with approximately 700,000 sets produced. Despite this, the set remains popular among collectors due to its combination of classic designs and the inclusion of the state quarters and Sacagawea dollar. The mintage numbers reflect the continued demand for proof sets, which have long been a favorite among numismatists who seek to collect coins that reflect the artistry and historical significance of U.S. coinage.

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As a result of the U.S. Mint’s careful attention to detail, the 2002 Proof Set is known for its high-quality finish and exceptional preservation of the coins’ original designs. Over the years, the set has become an increasingly popular item in the world of coin collecting, particularly among those who focus on U.S. proof coins. The 2002 Proof Set has also seen its value rise in the secondary market, as collectors seek to complete their collections of proof coins from various years. The presence of the state quarters and Sacagawea dollar adds an extra layer of appeal, as these coins are widely regarded as important milestones in American numismatics.

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The 2002 Proof Set is a perfect example of how U.S. coinage continues to evolve while retaining a sense of tradition. The set serves as a snapshot of the U.S. Mint’s ongoing efforts to honor American history, culture, and the legacy of its coins. With the inclusion of the 50 State Quarters, the Kennedy half dollar, the Sacagawea dollar, and other classic designs, the set captures the essence of American numismatic achievement and remains an important part of any collection.

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For collectors and enthusiasts alike, the 2002 Proof Set is an excellent addition to any collection. Its combination of iconic designs, high-quality minting, and historical significance ensures that it will remain a cherished piece for years to come. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of numismatics, the 2002 Proof Set provides a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of U.S. coins.

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The 2002 United States Proof Set is a remarkable collection of coins, minted to showcase the artistry and craftsmanship of the U.S. Mint. It consists of a complete set of proof coins, including ...",[],[],"9.50","9.88","9.60","1220414759.jpg","In Stock",{"_12":547,"_25":544,"_516":135,"_517":135,"_496":530,"_518":548,"_520":549,"_522":547,"_523":550},45909,400,482,{"_525":551,"_527":553},[552,548],300,[552,548],{"_12":555,"_128":556,"_464":557,"_466":93,"_467":91,"_469":470,"_118":135,"_472":93,"_473":-5,"_100":558,"_475":559,"_477":560,"_479":91,"_481":135,"_482":-5,"_483":561,"_485":562,"_487":80,"_488":28,"_489":140,"_490":568,"_492":569,"_494":570,"_496":555,"_159":559,"_497":80,"_25":571,"_499":571,"_500":80,"_501":80,"_502":80,"_503":80,"_504":135,"_505":80,"_506":80,"_507":557,"_508":568,"_509":28,"_510":80,"_511":80,"_512":80,"_513":572},60331,"Roosevelt Dimes 1950-1964 Proof Set Capital Holder",269,"2026-03-23T21:38:16+0000","roosevelt-dimes-1950_1964-proof-set-capital-holder","200",[],[563],{"_12":564,"_25":565,"_516":135,"_517":135,"_496":555,"_518":566,"_520":566,"_522":564,"_567":93},114863,"10cPFsetr.JPG",1000,"count","269.00","279.76","271.69","10cPFseto.JPG",{"_12":573,"_25":571,"_516":135,"_517":93,"_496":555,"_518":566,"_520":566,"_522":573,"_523":574},114862,{"_525":575,"_527":579},[552,548,576,577,578],500,600,900,[552,548,576,577,578],"productsCount","categoryData",{"_128":433,"_583":91,"_25":584,"_585":91,"_586":91,"_479":91,"_467":91,"_587":-5,"_20":-5,"_588":93,"_472":93,"_475":432,"_589":566,"_590":566,"_591":592,"_593":594,"_595":93,"_596":432,"_597":433,"_598":599,"_600":601,"_602":91,"_488":28,"_603":604,"_607":608,"_609":610,"_677":28,"_678":93,"_679":80},"title","BWA7bo.jpg","metaKeywords","metaDescription","parentId","showMetalQuote","imageWidth","imageHeight","listGridView","auto","categoryId",1102,"isListView","dynamicUrl","nameNoBuy","nameBuy","Buy Foreign Currency","perPage",10,"descriptionLess","imageVariants",{"_525":605,"_527":606},[552,548,576,577,578],[552,548,576,577,578],"parentCategories",[],"subCategories",[611,623,632,641,650,659,668],{"_12":612,"_128":613,"_25":614,"_615":93,"_479":91,"_475":616,"_589":617,"_590":617,"_593":612,"_596":618,"_603":619},1103,"Currency From Africa","Biaf5ao.jpg","categoryOrder","currency-from-africa",1500,"foreign-currency/currency-from-africa",{"_525":620,"_527":622},[552,548,576,577,578,621],1200,[552,548,576,577,578,621],{"_12":624,"_128":625,"_25":626,"_615":93,"_479":91,"_475":627,"_589":617,"_590":617,"_593":624,"_596":628,"_603":629},1104,"Currency From Asia","Ind18ao.jpg","currency-from-asia","foreign-currency/currency-from-asia",{"_525":630,"_527":631},[552,548,576,577,578,621],[552,548,576,577,578,621],{"_12":633,"_128":634,"_25":635,"_615":93,"_479":91,"_475":636,"_589":617,"_590":617,"_593":633,"_596":637,"_603":638},1105,"Currency From Europe","Gib22bo.jpg","currency-from-europe","foreign-currency/currency-from-europe",{"_525":639,"_527":640},[552,548,576,577,578,621],[552,548,576,577,578,621],{"_12":642,"_128":643,"_25":644,"_615":93,"_479":91,"_475":645,"_589":617,"_590":617,"_593":642,"_596":646,"_603":647},1106,"Currency From Middle East","Syr105co.jpg","currency-from-middle-east","foreign-currency/currency-from-middle-east",{"_525":648,"_527":649},[552,548,576,577,578,621],[552,548,576,577,578,621],{"_12":651,"_128":652,"_25":653,"_615":93,"_479":91,"_475":654,"_589":617,"_590":617,"_593":651,"_596":655,"_603":656},1107,"Currency From North America & Caribbean","Bah35aVFr.jpg","currency-from-north-america--caribbean","foreign-currency/currency-from-north-america--caribbean",{"_525":657,"_527":658},[552,548,576,577,578,621],[552,548,576,577,578,621],{"_12":660,"_128":661,"_25":662,"_615":93,"_479":91,"_475":663,"_589":617,"_590":617,"_593":660,"_596":664,"_603":665},1108,"Currency From South America & Central America","CR236dr.jpg","currency-from-south-america--central-america","foreign-currency/currency-from-south-america--central-america",{"_525":666,"_527":667},[552,548,576,577,578,621],[552,548,576,577,578,621],{"_12":669,"_128":670,"_25":671,"_615":93,"_479":91,"_475":672,"_589":617,"_590":617,"_593":669,"_596":673,"_603":674},1109,"Currency From Australia & South Pacific","Aus46cXFo.jpg","currency-from-australia--south-pacific","foreign-currency/currency-from-australia--south-pacific",{"_525":675,"_527":676},[552,548,576,577,578,621],[552,548,576,577,578,621],"hasSubCategories","productCount","hasProducts","categoryName","categoryPageType","item","listType","list","requestUrl","http://www.goldeneaglecoin.com/foreign-coins-&-notes/foreign-currency","actionData","errors"]