1856 Flying Eagle Cent. Snow-3. Repunched 5, High Leaves. Proof-66 (PCGS).This boldly toned, richly original 1856 Flying Eagle cent is of a scarcer die marriage for the classic issue. Both sides exhibit steely-copper patina, with the obverse perhaps a bit lighter. Cobalt blue undertones can also be seen on both sides. The texture is smooth and satiny and the devices are fully struck with razor sharp detail from the rims to the centers. Highly desirable in all regards, this lovely Proof is sure to find its way into an advanced numismatic cabinet.The production of small-diameter cent patterns began in 1850, and by 1856 the desire to create a new format cent for circulation was great. 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 (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. The presence of any 1856 Flying Eagle cent in a collection announces that a major milestone has been accomplished. This piece is certainly among the most handsome of available representatives.PCGS Population (Snow-3 attribution only): 2; 0 finer in this category.
