1856 1C Snow-3 MS66 PCGS....

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1856 Snow-3 Flying Eagle Cent, MS66
Original 1856 Circulation Strike
Tied for Finest Certified

1856 1C Snow-3 MS66 PCGS. The Snow-3 die marriage is easily identifiable by repunching at the upright of 5 in the date. The significance of this variety has been on the increase to collectors ever since the 1977 publication of Walter Breen's Encyclopedia of United States and Proof Coins: 1722-1977, which included a chapter devoted to the 1856 Flying Eagle cent. In that discussion, 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 issues in a clearer fashion and added previously unknown "original" 1856 varieties (Snow-1 in copper-nickel and 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 today.

The third edition (2014) of Rick Snow's The Flying Eagle and Indian Cent Attribution Guide, Vol. 1: 1856-1858, summarizes the current thinking regarding the 1856 Flying Eagle cent formats and varieties. The Snow-3 die pair is accepted as a major part of the original striking period of the 1856 cent. It is entirely possible that the production of many of the coins submitted to Congress were Snow-3 circulation strikes that were part of a trial press run at the Mint. This was a new size coin, struck in a new metal and with a new design, and therefore of high import to the economy and the body politic. The Mint would necessarily need to test the presses at a normal speed to ensure that the coins would strike up properly.

The present coin is tied with two other examples at PCGS as the finest known 1856 Flying Eagle cents in certified circulation strike format, and it is tied with only one other coin for finest Snow-3 representative; the third MS66 PCGS coin on the Population Report is a Snow-5 example. Nearly all examples of the Snow-3 die marriage show softer details than proof 1856 specimens, and in high grades the original Snow-3 circulation strikes are equally as rare as the proofs. This Premium Gem example exhibits slight weakness at the highest breast feathers and at the eagle's left wingtip. Prooflike tendencies are noticeable at the obverse margins and throughout the reverse. The coin's minor strike weakness actually helps confirm the Mint State status of this die pair. Satiny surfaces further attest to its status as a non-proof. Nevertheless, this is an awesome beauty. Both sides present even, honey-brown color, and there are no noticeable marks or surface blemishes.

The present coin -- an unmistakable 1856 Snow-3 circulation strike in its early die state -- offers an important opportunity to acquire an original 1856 cent that serves as one of the most popular coins in U.S. numismatics, preserved in unsurpassed Mint State condition. The informed Flying Eagle cent specialist is sure to note the significance of this offering and bid accordingly.
Ex: Joseph P. Gorrell Collection / FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2003), lot 4401.
From The Greensboro Collection, Part XI.

Coin Index Numbers: (Variety PCGS# 391479, Base PCGS# 2013, GSID# 212989)

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

View all of [The Greensboro Collection, Part XI ]

View Certification Details from PCGS