Search: 2013

Auction 336 | Lot 2010 » Small Cents » Flying Eagle Cents

1856 1C MS66 PCGS. Eagle Eye Photo Seal. Snow-3. Only two 1856 Flying Eagle cents are currently graded MS66 by PCGS: the present example and the Paul R. Gougelman example that sold for $83,375 as lot 1003 in Superior's sale of 6/2000. Whereas the Gougelman specimen was an example of the Snow-5 die pair, this coin has been attributed as Snow-3 by Richard Snow on the Eagle Eye Photo Seal. The Snow-3 die marriage is easily identifiable by repunching southwest on the 5 in the date. The significance of this variety to collectors has been growing since the 1977 publication of the book Walter Breen's Encyclopedia of United States and Proof Coins: 1722-1977, which included a special chapter devoted to the 1856 Flying Eagle cent. In that chapter, Breen constructed a chronological sequence for this issue. He also labeled the present variety (Snow-3) as Die Pair # 2 and stated that examples struck from these dies are "usually non-proofs, proofs rare." As the premier copper-nickel issue in Breen's chronology, this die pair has been ascribed to the earliest distribution of small cents to Congress, which Breen enumerated from correspondence in the National Archives as 634+ pieces.

Later research by Richard Snow was published in the 1992 book Flying Eagle and Indian Cents, which listed the die pairs of the 1856 in a clearer fashion and added unknown varieties (Snow-1 in copper-nickel and the previously mentioned Snow-5). In 1996, Q. David Bowers' book Enthusiast's Guide to Flying Eagle and Indian Cents expanded on the information from both Breen and Snow and weighed in on the question of the format of the 1856 Flying Eagle Cents. Grading experts submitted their opinions in that book in an effort to determine which 1856 Flying Eagle cent varieties are proofs and which are non-proofs. No consensus was formed. However, the information presented led collectors to desire the Snow-3 die pair over all others, creating a premium pricing structure that still exists t (PCGS# 2013)

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Grade MS66

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Jan 10, 2004

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Sold For: $172,500.00

Auction 308 | Lot 4401 » Small Cents » Flying Eagle Cents

1856 1C MS66 PCGS. Eagle Eye Photo Seal. Snow-3. Only two 1856 Flying Eagle Cents are currently graded MS66 by PCGS: the present example and the Paul R. Gougelman example that sold for $83,375 as lot 1003 in Superior's sale of 6/2000. Whereas the Gougelman specimen was an example of the Snow-5 die pair, this coin has been attributed as Snow-3 by Richard Snow on the Eagle Eye Photo Seal. The Snow-3 die marriage is easily identifiable by repunching southwest on the 5 in the date. The significance of this variety to collectors has been growing since the 1977 publication of the book Walter Breen's Encyclopedia of United States and Proof Coins: 1722-1977, which included a special chapter devoted to the 1856 Flying Eagle Cent. In that chapter, Breen constructed a chronological sequence for this issue. He also labeled the present variety (Snow-3) as Die Pair # 2 and stated that examples struck from these dies are "usually non-proofs, proofs rare." As the premier copper-nickel issue in Breen's chronology, this die pair has been ascribed to the earliest distribution of small Cents to Congress, which Breen enumerated from correspondence in the National Archives as 634+ pieces.

Later research by Richard Snow was published in the 1992 book Flying Eagle and Indian Cents, which listed the die pairs of the 1856 in a clearer fashion and added unknown varieties (Snow-1 in copper-nickel and the previously mentioned Snow-5). In 1996, Q. David Bowers' book Enthusiast's Guide to Flying Eagle and Indian Cents expanded on the information from both Breen and Snow and weighed in on the question of the format of the 1856 Flying Eagle Cents. Grading experts submitted their opinions in that book in an effort to determine which 1856 Flying Eagle Cent varieties are proofs and which are non-proofs. No consensus was formed. However, the information presented led collectors to desire the Snow-3 die pair over all others, creating a premium pricing structure that still exists t (PCGS# 2013)

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Grade MS66

Auction Ended

Jan 11, 2003

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Sold For: $103,500.00

Auction 394 | Lot 3036 » Small Cents » Flying Eagle Cents

1856 1C MS65 PCGS. Snow-3. Die Stage A. The obverse die of this variety is easily identifiable by repunching on the 5 in the date, although one will need a loupe to discern this feature on the present example. This die was also used to strike coins of the Snow-1 and Snow-10 varieties. The most evident reverse diagnostics are the high leaves at the C and T in CENT. This reverse die was also used to strike Snow-8.

According to Snow (2001), examples of Snow-3 are the second most frequently encountered 1856 Flying Eagle Cents in today's market. This die pair was used from 1856 through early 1857. The first coins produced were copper die trial pieces (Judd-281, Pollock-213), of which only two examples are accounted for today. The Mint then struck 634-800 business strike 1856 Flying Eagle Cents of the Snow-3 die marriage using copper-nickel planchets. Snow asserts that these coins were prepared for two purposes: to test the press and dies in a simulated business strike run, and to provide examples of the proposed copper-nickel Cent to members of Congress.

The first copper-nickel examples of Snow-3 that emerged from the dies are prooflike in finish with moderately reflective mirrors in the fields. These coins are known as Die Stage A, and they can be easily mistaken for proofs by collectors who are not aware of the other diagnostics for Snow-3. All examples of this variety lack the completeness of strike that proof 1856 Flying Eagle Cents display. The present coin, while certainly sharp in overall detail, exhibits a little softness of strike over the eagle's breast feathers. In addition, the reverse devices, particularly the cotton leaves in the wreath, possess rounded edges. As befits the die stage, this coin displays moderately reflective fields. The color is a warm, original, honey-gold shade with swirls of medium tan and lilac patina here and there. Both sides are free of bothersome handling marks, although a tiny carbon fleck in the obverse field above the date is noted.(PCGS# 2013)

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Grade MS65

Auction Ended

Jan 7, 2006

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Sold For: $92,000.00

Auction 1136 | Lot 2419 » Small Cents » Flying Eagle Cents

1856 1C MS65 PCGS. (PCGS# 2013)

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Grade MS65

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Jan 10, 2010

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Sold For: $71,875.00

Auction 1143 | Lot 3035 » Small Cents » Flying Eagle Cents

1856 1C MS65 PCGS. Snow-3. Die Stage A. (PCGS# 2013)

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Grade MS65

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Aug 15, 2010

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Sold For: $66,125.00

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Auction 336 | Lot 2009 » Small Cents » Flying Eagle Cents

1856 1C MS65 PCGS. Snow-9. Die Stage D. A diagonal die polish line crosses the U in UNITED to reach the eagle's beak, and wispy die cracks (as made) extend below the point of the beak and above the top left cotton leaf. A tiny center dot is found beneath the upper left serif of the N in CENT. Although PCGS has certified this Cent as a business strike, the razor-sharp definition on the devices and the moderately mirrored fields are suggestive of a proof. Light golden-brown in color with streaks of lilac hues in the fields.

The 1856 Flying Eagle Cent is among the most famous and historically important coins in American numismatics. The Guide Book estimates 2,000 were minted, which is the lowest production of any Small Cent issue. Technically a pattern, Judd-180, survivors are found in all grades. Assumedly, pieces were released into circulation under circumstances similar to the issue of pattern Gobrecht Dollars a generation earlier. The flying eagle motif on the reverse of the Gobrecht Dollar was resurrected for the obverse design. Most Uncirculated 1856 Cents grade between MS62 and MS64. Gems are both rare and desirable. Population: 14 in 65, 2 finer (10/03). (PCGS# 2013)

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Grade MS65

Auction Ended

Jan 10, 2004

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Sold For: $48,875.00

Auction 292 | Lot 5056 » Small Cents » Flying Eagle Cents

1856 1C MS65 PCGS. Snow-3. Die Stage A. This is the first of two Gem quality representatives of Snow-3 that we are offering in this sale, the other being part of the Highland Collection. Both sides of this coin are prooflike in finish with glowing fields and dominant honey-tan coloration. Streaks of richer color are also seen over both sides, but we can find no bothersome abrasions or carbon flecks. Obviously well cared for since the day of issue, this business strike 1856 Flying Eagle Cent is earmarked for inclusion in an advanced collection.
From the Marvin Elkin Collection (the Jon/Lor PCGS Registry Set). (PCGS# 2013)

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Grade MS65

Auction Ended

Jun 8, 2002

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Sold For: $43,125.00

Auction 63188 | Lot 44006 » Small Cents » Flying Eagle Cents

1856 1C MS64 PCGS. The upright of the 5 in the date is recut along the left side, and the reverse is the High Leaves subtype. The obverse legends are strike doubled, and the peripheral design elements and legends are somewhat softly struck. The reddish-brown surfaces are well-preserved and lustrous. Overall eye appeal is outstanding. Business strikes of this famous issue are scarcer than the proofs, especially those of the Snow-9 variety. PCGS Population: (32/14 and 3/0+). NGC Census: (0/0 and 0/0+). CDN: $24,000 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS64. Mintage 1,000.
From The Boulder City Collection. (PCGS# 2013)

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Grade MS64

Auction Ended

May 23, 2022

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Sold For: $38,400.00

Auction 460 | Lot 3037 » Small Cents » Flying Eagle Cents

1856 1C MS64 PCGS.... (PCGS# 2013)

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Grade MS64

Auction Ended

Feb 16, 2008

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Sold For: $37,375.00

Auction 292 | Lot 5119 » Small Cents » Flying Eagle Cents

1856 1C MS65 PCGS. Snow-3. Die Stage A. The obverse die of this variety is easily identifiable by repunching on the 5 in the date, although one will need a loupe to discern this feature on the present example. This die was also used to strike coins of the Snow-1 and Snow-10 varieties. The most evident reverse diagnostics are the high leaves at the C and T in CENT. This reverse die was also used to strike Snow-8.

According to Snow (2001), examples of Snow-3 are the second most frequently encountered 1856 Flying Eagle Cents in today's market. This die pair was used from 1856 through early 1857. The first coins produced were copper die trial pieces (Judd-281, Pollock-213), of which only two examples are accounted for today. The Mint then struck 634-800 business strike 1856 Flying Eagle Cents of the Snow-3 die marriage using copper-nickel planchets. Snow asserts that these coins were prepared for two purposes: to test the press and dies in a simulated business strike run, and to provide examples of the proposed copper-nickel Cent to members of Congress.

The first copper-nickel examples of Snow-3 that emerged from the dies are prooflike in finish with moderately reflective mirrors in the fields. These coins are known as Die Stage A, and they can be easily mistaken for proofs by collectors who are not aware of the other diagnostics for Snow-3. All examples of this variety lack the completeness of strike that proof 1856 Flying Eagle Cents display. The present coin, while certainly sharp in overall detail, exhibits a little softness of strike over the eagle's breast feathers. In addition, the reverse devices, particularly the cotton leaves in the wreath, possess rounded edges. As befits the die stage, this coin displays moderately reflective fields. The color is a warm, original, honey-gold shade with swirls of medium tan and lilac patina here and there. Both sides are free of bothersome handling marks, although a tiny carbon fleck in the obverse field above the date is noted.(PCGS# 2013)

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Grade MS65

Auction Ended

Jun 8, 2002

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Sold For: $37,375.00

Auction 1311 | Lot 4102 » Small Cents » Flying Eagle Cents

1856 1C MS64 PCGS. CAC. Snow-9. (PCGS# 2013)

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Grade MS64

Auction Ended

Jan 12, 2020

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Sold For: $37,200.00

Auction 1124 | Lot 2048 » Small Cents » Flying Eagle Cents

1856 1C MS65 PCGS. (PCGS# 2013)

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Grade MS65

Auction Ended

May 3, 2009

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Sold For: $34,500.00

Auction 1184 | Lot 4123 » Small Cents » Flying Eagle Cents

1856 1C MS64 PCGS. Snow-9. (PCGS# 2013)

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Grade MS64

Auction Ended

Apr 28, 2013

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Sold For: $32,900.00

Auction 1390 | Lot 3037 » Small Cents » Flying Eagle Cents

1856 1C MS63 PCGS. CAC. Snow-9. (PCGS# 2013)

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Grade MS63

Auction Ended

Jan 17, 2026

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Sold For: $29,280.00

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Auction 25062 | Lot 13015 » Small Cents » Flying Eagle Cents

1856 1C MS64 PCGS. The current Coin Dealer Newsletter (Greysheet) wholesale "bid" price is $25000.00.... (PCGS# 2013)

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Grade MS64

Auction Ended

Jun 14, 2005

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Sold For: $29,114.55

Auction 388 | Lot 2009 » Small Cents » Flying Eagle Cents

1856 1C MS63 PCGS. Snow-5a, R.6. The very scarce Snow-5 variety is identified by the point at the base of the U in UNITED, paired with the familiar reverse die with the small die gouge on the left ribbon end, later used to help produce the 'common' Snow-9. According to Rick Snow, "It is now believed that coins from this die pair [Snow-5] are some of the first examples of the 1856 Flying Eagle struck." Examples of Snow-5 have been certified as both Mint State and proof. The present fully struck piece has scant evidence of reflectivity in the field, and only the faintest contact is noted on the satiny surfaces. The obverse is richly toned in steel-blue, orange-gold, and aqua colors, the reverse displays consistent dusky gold color and has an occasional minute fleck of carbon. An opportunity for the alert early Small Cent specialist, since another Snow-5 may not appear at auction again for several years. Housed in an early generation PCGS holder. (PCGS# 2013)

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Grade MS63

Auction Ended

Nov 5, 2005

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Sold For: $25,300.00

Auction 400 | Lot 165 » Small Cents » Flying Eagle Cents

1856 1C MS64 PCGS. Snow-3. Die State C. This is one of the more common die pairings--if common can be used to describe an 1856 Flying Eagle cent. Free of the annoying spots and specks that often mar the surfaces, and attractive with semi-prooflike fields as are often encountered on this variety. The toning ranges from light tan to streaky-brown, particularly on the reverse. Identifiable by a minute planchet flaw near the eagle's chest above the 18. The strike is sharp on eagle except on the tips of his tail, and the reverse where the wreath shows ample definition on the lower portion, but minor softness on the veins of the cotton leaves. The copper-nickel alloy to make these new smaller style cents is 88% copper and 12% nickel. The nickel alloy gave the cents a lighter tan or even slightly white color scheme, and most of the business strikes are found with minor weakness on the highpoints.

These new Flying Eagle cents were cause for celebration. The older style and still current Large cents were generally hated by the public as being too large, any quantity of them was cumbersome and often difficult to carry. Seizing this opportunity, entrepreneur Joseph Wharton used his extensive political clout to secure the proper legislation that authorized a new small cent, using--and get this--nickel. Yes, nickel, the bane of mints worldwide. Philadelphia Mint experiments confirmed that nickel is truly one of the hardest, least workable and difficult metals to turn into coinage, but this fact was not important to Congress, who with their collective stroke of a pen demanded nickel be used to alloy the new smaller copper-nickel cents. Wharton, who happened to own the largest group of nickel mines in the Western Hemisphere, finally had an outlet for his otherwise metallurgical curiosity. Once a steady flow of nickel was established to the Philadelphia Mint, Wharton set his eyes on other denominations, but that is another story. (PCGS# 2013)

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Grade MS64

Auction Ended

Feb 11, 2006

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Sold For: $25,300.00

Auction 444 | Lot 1550 » Small Cents » Flying Eagle Cents

1856 1C MS64 PCGS. (PCGS# 2013)

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Grade MS64

Auction Ended

Aug 12, 2007

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Sold For: $25,300.00

Auction 1158 | Lot 7021 » Small Cents » Flying Eagle Cents

1856 1C MS64 PCGS. Snow-9. (PCGS# 2013)

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Grade MS64

Auction Ended

Aug 14, 2011

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Sold For: $25,300.00

Auction 1291 | Lot 4332 » Small Cents » Flying Eagle Cents

1856 1C MS64 PCGS. Snow-9. (PCGS# 2013)

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Grade MS64

Auction Ended

Jan 14, 2019

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Sold For: $25,200.00

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$37,800 or more

Auction 1359 | Lot 3015 » Small Cents » Flying Eagle Cents

1856 1C MS63 PCGS. CAC. Snow-9. (PCGS# 2013)

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Grade MS63

Auction Ended

May 7, 2023

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Sold For: $25,200.00

Auction 346 | Lot 5292 » Small Cents » Flying Eagle Cents

1856 1C MS64 PCGS. Snow-9. This is a fully defined near-Gem with medium brown surfaces that reveal subtle blue and lilac undertones as the coin rotates under a light. Glimpses of faded orange color highlight each side, being seen primarily at the margins. The importance and popularity of the 1856 Flying Eagle Cent to collectors of all kinds is difficult to overstate. The uncommonly Choice representative offered here, which closely resembles a proof striking, should prove to be the object of keen bidder interest. (PCGS# 2013)

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Grade MS64

Auction Ended

May 8, 2004

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Sold For: $24,725.00

Auction 131204 | Lot 24670 » Small Cents » Flying Eagle Cents

1856 1C MS64 PCGS. PCGS Population (34/13). NGC Census: (0/0). Mintage: 1,000. Numismedia Wsl. Price for problem free NGC/PCGS coin in MS64: $27,250. (#2013) (PCGS# 2013)

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Grade MS64

Auction Ended

Jan 24, 2012

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Sold For: $24,150.00

Auction 334 | Lot 5119 » Small Cents » Flying Eagle Cents

1856 1C MS64 PCGS. Snow-9. This later die state coin shows a bold die crack from the point of the upper left leaf to the border, and the diagnostic die line on the obverse is quite pronounced from the rim through the U in UNITED down to the eagle's beak. This coin is labeled on the insert as a business strike; however, we believe it to be a proof striking. On page 39 of Rick Snow's reference on the Flying Eagle series, he states: "Most of the examples from this die pair which exist in high grade show detail and edges which confirm their status as proofs. However, the overall quality of these pieces are not anywhere near that of the regular proof issues of the period. These usually have dull or nonexistent mirrors. Many show striking defects such as lint strike-throughs and planchet flaws. The probable reason for the poor quality is the relatively large production." While the fields on this piece are not "dull or nonexistent," they are somewhat shallowly mirrored, as seen on several later proof Indian cent issues. The striking details are absolutely full in all areas, and appear to be consistent with a coin that was struck twice. The surfaces do not show any of the above-mentioned strike-throughs, but each side has rich lilac patina that is accented by original red luster around the devices. Kept from the Gem grade by the presence of a few carbon spots on the obverse. (PCGS# 2013)

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Grade MS64

Auction Ended

Nov 10, 2003

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Sold For: $21,275.00

Auction 173 | Lot 5937 » Small Cents » Flying Eagle Cents

1856 MS 65 PCGS. There is only one thing better than buying a numismatic legend, and that is buying one in high grade. Many serious numismatists must wait years before finally purchasing an 1856 Flying Eagle cent, much less one in this exalted grade. This is a bold, sharply struck, and fully detailed specimen, possessing much original luster and color. The quality of the strike and the appearance of the fields argues strongly for a striking from proof dies, especially on the obverse. The reverse is strongly detailed, browner in color, and without the reflectiveness of the obverse fields. A virtually unimprovable example of this rare transitional issue, and one that we expect will attract numerous bidders. Population: 8 in MS 65, only 2 finer (4/97). (PCGS# 2013)

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Grade MS65

Auction Ended

Jun 9, 1997

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Sold For: $20,125.00