1856 1C Snow-3 PR66 PCGS....

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1856 Flying Eagle Cent, PR66
Rare Snow-3, Judd-180 Proof
Tied for Finest at PCGS

1856 1C Snow-3 PR66 PCGS. Ex: Palm Beach Collection. The repunched numeral 5 in the date is quite distinct, even with low magnification, identifying the popular Snow-3 variety. Probably no more than 700 coins were struck from this die pair, with some 500 or so pieces extant today. This variety represents approximately 20% of the 1856 Flying Eagle cents seen.

Experts believe the 634 specimens originally delivered to congressmen to demonstrate the new small-size cent design were struck from the Snow-3 dies. Although they are properly considered patterns, Judd-180, Rick Snow believes most examples were struck on a regular production press at normal speed. PCGS classified Snow-3 examples as business strikes until 1998, and almost all specimens of this variety show non-proof characteristics, despite being certified as proofs by both PCGS and NGC today. A few examples, like the coin offered here, may have been struck in proof format before the majority of the coins were produced.

The present coin is an especially distinguished example which was once certified as a copper (rather than copper-nickel) striking because of its vivid toning. In the third edition of The Flying Eagle and Indian Cent Attribution Guide, Rick Snow includes a special segment on this coin on page 38, noting:

"The coin is likely the first example struck off these dies. It is certainly a proof striking, and the only Snow-3 that all agree is a proof."

It is a magnificent Premium Gem proof and one of the finest examples known of the date. The fields are deeply reflective and are not obscured by the deep brown and blue patina that covers both sides of this exceptional piece. With a 16 x magnifier we found one tiny speck of carbon on the obverse and two very shallow contact marks on the upper reverse. The design elements are sharply detailed and eye appeal is extraordinary. To the unaided eye this coin appears flawless and it very nearly is. Population for the variety: 2 in 66, 0 finer (11/15).
Ex: Jerry Bobbe in the 1980s; Rick Snow, circa 2000; Stewart Blay; Atlanta Signature (Heritage, 8/2001), lot 5271, realized $42,550; FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2004), lot 4364, realized $47,150; Leningrad Dutch Collection, the third-finest Proof Flying Eagle Cent PCGS Registry Set.
From The Tom & Jean Fore Collection.

Coin Index Numbers: (Variety PCGS# 47058, Base PCGS# 2037, Greysheet# 376130)

Weight: 4.70 grams

Metal: 88% Copper, 12% Nickel

View all of [The Tom & Jean Fore Collection ]

View Certification Details from PCGS