1857 Flying Eagle Cent. Snow-PR2. Proof-65 (PCGS). CAC.The beautiful surfaces of this 1857 Flying Eagle cent are fully struck with reflective fields, confirming the Proof status of this special example. The Snow-PR2 variety is identifiable by faint die lines in the denticles above the letters CA in AMERICA on the obverse and a short spike-like projection from the lower left ribbon tip on the reverse. Golden-tan surfaces are enhanced by a few blushes of faint olive-rose iridescence in the center of the obverse. Smooth and delightful, this coin will please even the most discerning numismatist.The second year 1857 Flying Eagle cent is a rarity in Proof, certainly multiple times more rare than the more widely known 1856 Flying Eagle cent. The date has an estimated Proof mintage of just 50 pieces with perhaps as few as 20 to 30 actually known today. Indeed, the Bowers reference on the series notes:True Proofs are very rare, more so than generally realized. Walter Breen, Encyclopedia of Proof Coins, pg. 104, states most were made in May 1857 from a die with file marks over NI of UNITED, one file mark joining left upright of N to rim. All known 1857 Proofs are of the Style of 1857 Lettering. These were probably released to collectors on or after May 25, 1857 (the day that circulation strikes were first distributed to the eager public)....it may be that fewer than 20 to 30 true Proofs are known of this date, and estimates range as low as 10 to 20.The die marriage described by Breen, quoted by Bowers, is now known as Snow-PR1. The present Snow-PR2 specimen offers an even rarer opportunity for Flying Eagle cent specialists; most of the few known survivors of this issue grade no finer than Proof-64.PCGS Population: 16; 0 finer in this category.
