1856 Flying Eagle Cent. Snow-3. Repunched 5, High Leaves. MS-65 (PCGS).This is a captivating example displaying nearly the finest level of preservation known for the issue. The patina is a lovely marbling of dark bronze hues against lighter sandy-pearl coloration. Dramatic prooflike reflectivity glimmers in the fields, starkly contrasting the more richly frosted design elements. Impressively struck for the issue, with particular intricacy to the eagles feathers on the obverse. A truly breathtaking rarity with just 3 coins graded finer. <p>Following the production of small-diameter patterns since 1850, by 1856 the desire to create a new format cent for circulation was at its height. The Mint in Philadelphia struck close to 1,000 examples of James B. Longacres Flying Eagle design type for distribution to important individuals. Specialist Rick Snow 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." The presence of an 1856 Flying Eagle cent in ones collection announces that a major milestone has been accomplished, and this piece is among the most handsome of available representatives.From the Anne Kate Collection.
