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The 1858 Flying Eagle Cent is a significant coin in the history of U.S. numismatics. It was the first small-size cent minted by the U.S. Mint and introduced a new design that would become iconic in American coinage. Prior to the 1858 release, the cent was much larger in size, which had been problematic due to inflationary pressures and the increasing cost of copper. The U.S. Mint began looking for a solution to make the coin smaller and more affordable. The Flying Eagle Cent was the result of these efforts, and it marked a departure from the previous large cent design that had been used since the 18th century. This new cent was smaller, lighter, and featured a completely different design that would become a precursor to the more familiar Indian Head Cent that followed. The 1858 Flying Eagle Cent is widely regarded as an important milestone in U.S. coinage history.
The Flying Eagle Cent was designed by James B. Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, who was tasked with creating a new design for the cent that would be smaller in size while still conveying the significance of the coin’s value. The obverse of the coin features a majestic flying eagle in the center, wings outstretched, symbolizing freedom and the strength of the United States. The eagle is surrounded by the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” along with the coin’s denomination, "ONE CENT." The eagle’s wings and the overall composition of the design convey a sense of movement and grace, with the bird soaring freely across the sky. This design was highly symbolic at the time, as the eagle had long been associated with American patriotism and independence.
The reverse side of the 1858 Flying Eagle Cent features a simple but elegant design. At the center of the reverse is a laurel wreath, which encircles the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “ONE CENT.” The laurel wreath is symbolic of honor, victory, and achievement, while the phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM” translates to “Out of Many, One,” which is a motto of the United States. The simplicity of the reverse design, with its minimalistic yet powerful imagery, makes it a perfect complement to the striking image of the eagle on the obverse. The design elements were carefully chosen to reflect the values of the young nation, emphasizing unity, strength, and freedom. The reverse of the Flying Eagle Cent set the tone for later U.S. coin designs, making it an essential part of American numismatic history.
The 1858 Flying Eagle Cent was produced in both small and large letter varieties, which can be distinguished by the size of the letters in the word “CENTS” on the reverse. The small letters variety, which is the version described here, features smaller lettering than the large letters variety. The distinction between these two types is crucial for collectors, as the small letters variety is considered more common and is generally less valuable than the large letters variety. Nevertheless, both varieties are considered historically significant and are highly sought after by numismatists due to their unique place in U.S. coinage history. The 1858 Flying Eagle Cent was only minted for a short period, with a total mintage of around 17 million coins, making it relatively scarce in certain grades and variations.
The coin’s condition plays a critical role in its value and appeal to collectors. The coin in question is graded as EF40 Details by ANACS, a third-party certification service. EF40, or Extremely Fine 40, denotes a coin that shows significant wear from circulation but still retains most of its design details. Coins in this grade will typically exhibit some light scratches or scuffing but retain a good deal of their original features. In the case of this 1858 Flying Eagle Cent, the coin has been assigned the “Details” label, meaning that while it is in an overall solid grade, it may have some characteristics such as light cleaning or imperfections that impact its visual appeal. Nonetheless, this coin remains a fine example of the Flying Eagle Cent series and is a desirable addition to any collection due to its historical importance and the rarity of high-quality surviving examples.
The 1858 Flying Eagle Cent was minted at the Philadelphia Mint, which was the primary facility for U.S. coin production during this period. At the time, the U.S. Mint was tasked with producing coins for a rapidly growing nation. The Flying Eagle Cent was introduced as part of the Mint’s efforts to provide smaller, more practical coinage that was better suited for the needs of everyday commerce. The 1858 Flying Eagle Cent was the first coin to feature the small cent size, and it was the first major design change in U.S. copper coins since the large cent was introduced in 1793. The Flying Eagle design was also the first U.S. coin to feature an eagle in flight, adding to its symbolic importance and appeal to collectors and historians alike.
The total mintage of the 1858 Flying Eagle Cent was approximately 17,000,000 coins, which was a relatively large number for the time. However, due to the short production period and the subsequent transition to the Indian Head Cent in 1859, the 1858 Flying Eagle Cent is still considered a rare coin in certain grades. The high mintage does not negate the historical importance of the coin or its desirability among collectors. Coins in higher grades, such as MS63 or MS64, are considered particularly scarce, and the coin in this listing, graded EF40, reflects the wear it received while circulating, making it a more affordable yet still valuable example of this classic American design.
The 1858 Flying Eagle Cent is an important coin for collectors, historians, and anyone interested in the development of American numismatics. The coin’s design, history, and symbolism make it a noteworthy part of U.S. coinage history, and its limited mintage and unique status within the series only add to its appeal. The 1858 Flying Eagle Cent remains an iconic example of U.S. currency, and coins like this one continue to be highly valued by collectors seeking to complete their collections with historic, rare pieces. Whether as a single item or as part of a broader collection, this coin offers insight into the evolution of U.S. coinage during the mid-19th century and stands as a testament to the Mint’s efforts to create coins that reflected the growing national identity of the United States.