The Flying Eagle Cent was a one-cent piece minted by the United States Mint for a brief period from 1856 to 1858. Here's a closer look at this unique coin:

Design:

• Obverse (front): Featured a flying eagle design, a departure from previous cents which displayed portraits of Liberty.
• Reverse (back): Displayed the denomination "ONE CENT" encircled by a wreath.

Historical Context (1856-1858):

• Introduced as a replacement for the large-sized copper pennies that were becoming expensive to produce due to rising copper prices.
• The Flying Eagle Cent was the first small-sized one-cent coin minted by the U.S. Mint, paving the way for the size and design of the modern penny.
• Mintage was limited due to production difficulties and a short lifespan.

Composition:

• Early issues (1856) were composed of 88% copper and 12% nickel, giving them a whitish appearance. This was later changed to a more traditional 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc composition in 1857.

Value:

The value of a Flying Eagle Cent depends on several factors:

• Condition: A well-preserved coin (higher grade) will be worth more than a worn one.
• Year of Issue: The 1856 issue, with a smaller mintage, is generally more valuable than the 1857 and 1858 issues.
• Rarity: Certain varieties within specific years (e.g., die errors) can be especially valuable.

Here's a general range for Flying Eagle Cents:

• Common circulated pieces: $40 to $100 (depending on year and condition)
• Uncirculated specimens: These can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars, especially for the earlier years (1856) or rare varieties.

Popularity Among Collectors:

The Flying Eagle Cent's unique design, short mintage period, and historical significance make it a prized collectible for numismatic enthusiasts (coin collectors).