1856 Flying Eagle Cent. Snow-9. Proof-65+ (PCGS). CAC. CMQ. Eagle Eye Photo Seal.A gorgeous specimen, expertly produced and preserved with the utmost care. Both sides sport full, razor sharp striking detail that extends to even the most trivial design elements. Generally frosty in texture, although soft reflective tendencies light up the fields as the coin dips into a light. Direct viewing angles also call forth delicate steel-blue and pale pink undertones to dominant tan-olive patina. Undeniably original and without so much as a single detracting handling mark or other blemish, this premium quality specimen challenges the few Proof-66s for the issue that your cataloger has seen over the last quarter of a century.<p>The 1856 Flying Eagle cent was first prepared as a pattern in late 1856 and early 1857 to illustrate the new small size cent in copper-nickel composition. These coins were envisioned as replacements for the costly large copper cents first struck in 1793. Later in 1857, and continuing through at least early 1860, the Mint struck additional examples. The later strikings were initially meant for distribution to Congressional leaders, Mint personnel and others in government posts, but by 1859, if not late 1858, Mint Director Colonel James Ross Snowden was striking 1856 Flying Eagle cents expressly for distribution to contemporary collectors. According to Rick Snow, the 1856 Flying Eagle cent had become so popular during the late 1850s that prices soon reached $2 per coin, sparking the nations first coin collecting boom.<p>The popularity of this issue continues to this day, so much so that even collectors whose primary interest lies with other series and/or types often include an 1856 Flying Eagle cent in their cabinet. The advanced numismatist with an eye for quality would be hard pressed to find a nicer specimen than that offered here.PCGS# 2037. NGC ID: 227A.PCGS Population: 5; 8 finer in this category (Proof-67+ finest).From Heritages CSNS Signature Auction of May 2023, lot 3017.
