-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 57094
Checkout
The Certified 1857 Flying Eagle Cent graded F15 by NGC represents a historic and transitional piece in the evolution of U.S. coinage. As one of only two years in which the Flying Eagle cent was produced for circulation, the 1857 issue holds a significant place in American numismatics. It marked the first time that a small-sized cent replaced the earlier large cent format, reflecting a broader change in both economic policy and minting technology. This example, preserved in Fine 15 condition, provides collectors with a balanced combination of affordability, legibility, and historical importance, while still retaining the core design features that define the type.
The Flying Eagle cent was authorized by the Act of February 21, 1857, as part of an effort to retire the unwieldy large cents and replace them with a smaller, more practical coin. The new cent reduced the diameter from 27–29 mm to 19 mm and changed the composition from pure copper to a copper-nickel alloy. These adjustments aligned the cent more closely with emerging minting standards and better facilitated use in commerce. The decision to include 12% nickel gave the coin a much lighter color and harder composition, setting it apart from earlier copper coinage and foreshadowing later developments in U.S. coin metallurgy.
The design of the Flying Eagle cent is the work of Chief Engraver James Barton Longacre. On the obverse, a dynamic bald eagle is depicted mid-flight, its wings raised and body angled as if about to descend. The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arcs along the upper edge, while the date “1857” appears prominently at the bottom. The reverse displays a simple yet elegant agricultural wreath composed of corn, wheat, cotton, and tobacco—crops that symbolized the economic foundation of the United States during the antebellum era. The denomination “ONE CENT” is centered within the wreath, with a closed field and raised rim providing strong visual definition.
1857 was the first full year of Flying Eagle cent production intended for widespread circulation, following the limited pattern and restrike issues of 1856. Approximately 17,450,000 examples were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, a substantial figure for the time and one that helped ensure the type’s availability for generations of collectors. Nevertheless, because of the short production run—limited only to 1857 and 1858 for circulation issues—any Flying Eagle cent carries a premium due to the type’s brevity and historical significance. Of the two dates, the 1857 is slightly more available but no less important to collectors seeking an entry into early small cent collecting.
The NGC grade of F15 denotes a coin in “Fine” condition, meaning it has seen moderate circulation but still retains clear and full major design details. On this specimen, Liberty’s eagle shows visible outlines of its wings, head, and body, though finer feather details have softened from wear. The wreath on the reverse is still fully defined, with the grain elements discernible and the denomination bold and legible. While high points show smoothing, the legends and date remain crisp. This level of preservation provides a satisfying visual experience, especially for collectors who appreciate circulated coins with strong character and originality.
In the context of early U.S. copper-nickel coinage, the Flying Eagle cent is notable for its hardness and the resulting difficulty in achieving full strikes. Many examples, even in higher grades, exhibit weak spots—particularly around the eagle’s tail and the wreath’s upper edge. In circulated grades such as F15, these strike issues blend with wear, making the coin more uniform in appearance. The example at hand offers a relatively even tone, usually in a soft, light brown or golden hue, with no distracting blemishes or corrosion, as certified by NGC. The coin’s surfaces are smooth and free from major damage, a key consideration for long-term collecting or resale.
As one of the earliest small cents, the 1857 Flying Eagle cent plays a pivotal role in type sets and historical collections. It represents a distinct departure from the older Liberty Cap and Braided Hair large cents and paves the way for the Indian Head and Lincoln cent series that followed. Many collectors seek it as a first small cent, and its transitional status adds value for those assembling 19th-century U.S. type collections. Its relatively short-lived design makes it particularly collectible, with both the 1857 and 1858 dates forming the entirety of the regular-issue series.
The Flying Eagle cent’s appeal is further bolstered by its direct connection to a period of economic transformation in the U.S. The Coinage Act of 1857 also outlawed the use of foreign coins in domestic circulation and phased out the half cent, simplifying the nation’s coinage system. In this broader context, the 1857 Flying Eagle cent is more than just a collectible—it is a tangible artifact from a moment of economic modernization and growing national identity. Its bold design and distinctive composition set it apart visually and historically from virtually all other U.S. coinage.
Collectors who acquire a certified example from a trusted third-party grading service such as NGC gain additional assurance of authenticity, grade accuracy, and long-term value. The NGC encapsulation protects the coin in a tamper-evident holder and includes a label with essential information like date, denomination, grade, and unique certification number. For coins in Fine condition, this also guards against environmental degradation, as circulated copper-nickel pieces are more prone to toning, spotting, or oxidation if left unprotected.
In conclusion, the Certified 1857 Flying Eagle Cent graded F15 by NGC is a compelling addition to any U.S. coin collection. It offers an affordable and historically significant example of America’s first small cent, showcasing a bold and enduring design, strong mid-grade detail, and the reassurance of third-party authentication. Whether as a stand-alone piece or part of a comprehensive type set, this coin connects collectors to a key turning point in the nation’s monetary evolution and continues to captivate generations of numismatists with its distinctive charm and legacy.