1856 1C Snow-3 PR67+ PCGS. CAC....

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1856 Flying Eagle Cent, PR67+
Snow-3, Original Striking
CAC-Approved Quality
Finest at PCGS

1856 1C Snow-3 PR67+ PCGS. CAC. Ex: Simpson. By the early 1850s, economic factors like the rising price of copper forced the United States Mint to make drastic changes in the nation's copper coinage. The Mint begin experimenting with new alloys and reducing the size of the large cent. The production of small-diameter cent patterns began in 1850, and by 1856 the desire to create a new format cent for circulation was realized. The replacement of the old large cents by the small-diameter Flying Eagle cent the following year ushered in a new era in American numismatics. Nostalgia for the old large cents brought about a remarkable increase in the number of U.S. coin collectors, and the hobby became widespread in this country for the first time.

To popularize the prospective new format and design, the Philadelphia Mint struck close to 1,000 examples of James B. Longacre's Flying Eagle design type for distribution to important individuals in 1856. Specialist Rick Snow (2014) suggests that the Snow-3 variety offered here "makes up most or all of the 634 specimens originally distributed to Congress to help promote passage of the pending coinage bill." Although upward of 500 of those coins have survived (again per Snow), this variety is considerably scarcer than the typically encountered Snow-9 pairing.

Repunching on the left side of the 5 in the date is apparent on this specimen, diagnostic of the Snow-3 variety. It is believed that this die pair was used to strike the 634 examples of the 1856 Flying Eagle cents manufactured for distribution to members of Congress for their approval. Several other varieties were struck later during the 1850s through the 1870s, with many numismatists distinguishing these Snow-3 coins as "originals," while classifying others as "restrikes." Given the nature of the 1856 Flying Eagle cent and the story behind it, it is no wonder collectors value Snow-3 representatives so highly.

Although PCGS and NGC generally certify these coins as proofs, Rick Snow writes:

"Nearly all examples seen show non-proof qualities such as weak breast feathers on the obverse and rounded leaves. The earliest die state examples show prooflike fields, but with the non-proof qualities seen on later strikings."

This PR67+ representative fits that description well, speaking to its status as one of the original coins distributed to congressmen and struck "on a regular production press at normal speed," per Snow. The flashy, prooflike fields and moderately frosted devices are suggestive of an early impression from the dies, while the breast feathers are slightly rounded. Bronze-gold color dominates each side, but there are gorgeous accents of copper-orange, magenta, powder-blue, and mint-green throughout, delivering top-notch eye appeal. The high quality within the grade is confirmed by CAC. A remarkable first-year key date and the single finest example seen by PCGS. The 1856 Flying Eagle cent is Listed among the 100 Greatest U.S. Coins. This coin is pictured on PCGS CoinFacts. Population: 2 in 67 (1 in 67+), 0 finer. CAC: 1 in 67, 0 finer (8/24).
Ex: Important Selections From the Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part I (Heritage, 9/2020), lot 10008, realized $240,000.
From The Greensboro Collection, Part XI.

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

Weight: 4.70 grams

Metal: 88% Copper, 12% Nickel

View all of [The Greensboro Collection, Part XI ]

View Certification Details from PCGS