1856 1C AU53 PCGS....

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1856 Flying Eagle Cent, AU53
Snow-3

1856 1C AU53 PCGS. Snow-3. This variety is often pursued by knowledgeable collectors as the "Mint State" 1856 Flying Eagle cent. The diagnostic die scratches on each side are faint on this piece, but one has a good idea it might be an S-3 from the strike doubling seen on the date, a feature that is seen on a significant number of coins from this variety. From there, one can see the diagonal die scratch below the 1 in the date, which is common to all S-3 cents.
Snow estimates that "probably no more than 700 pieces" were struck. Further, he states "it is nearly certain that this issue makes up most or all of the 634 specimens originally distributed to Congress to help promote passage of the pending coinage bill." These coins were struck as test pieces to try and anticipate what problems might occur with the new size, metal, and design. This example shows the production problem that did occur the following year: the head and tail feathers of the eagle are weakly struck as are many of the design elements on the reverse wreath. The surfaces have a honey-golden color overall with darker accents scattered irregularly on each side. (Registry values: N4719)

Coin Index Numbers: (PCGS# 2013, GSID# 15310)

Metal: 88% Copper, 12% Nickel
Weight: 4.70 grams
Weight: 0.14589oz
Mintage: 1,000

View Certification Details from PCGS