1856 Flying Eagle Cent. Snow-3. Repunched 5, High Leaves. Proof. VF Details--Cleaned (PCGS). Offered is a more affordable example of this particularly historic die pairing of the fabled 1856 Flying Eagle cent. Evenly patinated medium tan surfaces retain bold outline detail to all design elements, with appreciable sharpness of definition in the more protected areas. There are no sizable marks, although moderate hairlining and a somewhat chrome-like texture confirm the PCGS qualifier. Following the production of small diameter patterns beginning in 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 acquisition of an 1856 Flying Eagle cent is a major milestone in any collection. The present example, a more affordable alternative, is sure to find many eager buyers in todays highly competitive numismatic market. From the Monterrey Collection. From the Monterrey Collection.
