1858 Flying Eagle Cent. Large Letters, Low Leaves, (Style of 1858), Type II. MS-66 (PCGS). CAC.A glorious example aglow with satiny pinkish-tan luster. Direct lighting angles call forth modest semi-reflective tendencies in the fields that add further appeal, but not even the closest inspection with a loupe reveals a detracting blemish. Virtually pristine, in fact, with a razor sharp to full strike throughout. The second year 1858 Flying Eagle cent was produced in even greater numbers than the 1857, 24,600,000 vs. 17,450,000 circulation strikes. Both issues are of similar availability in numismatic circles, worn survivors plentiful and even Mint State coins readily obtainable in grades through MS-64. On the other hand, the type as a whole is scarce in MS-65 and rare any finer. This is one of the finest examples of the 1858 Large Letters known to PCGS, and it is a coin that would do equally well in a high quality type set or specialized Flying Eagle and Indian cent collection. Although the two obverse hub varieties of the 1858 Flying Eagle cent are most easily distinguished by the size of the letters in the legend, in reality the design of the Large Letters differs markedly from that of its Small Letters successor. In addition to the lack of space between the letters AM in AMERICA, this variety is identifiable by the high relief design of the eagle with more rounded feathers and the tail raised markedly above the surrounding field area.From the ESM Collection.
