Flying Eagle Cent 1858 Small Letters Good

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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 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.