1858/7 Flying Eagle Cent. Snow-1, FS-301. Strong. Large Letters, High Leaves (Style of 1857), Type I. MS-64 (PCGS). CAC. This Flying Eagle cent is an impressive condition rarity for this scarce and highly desirable overdate. Both sides are attractively original with rich toning in a blend of medium tan and light copper-rose. The strike is otherwise sharp, but we do note the typical (for the variety) softness of detail at the end of the eagles tail and throughout the right half of the wreath. All known 1858/7 cents are weakly defined in these areas due to having been struck from skewed dies. Satiny in texture with a pleasingly smooth appearance, this lovely example will delight variety enthusiasts as well as advanced Flying Eagle and Indian cent collectors.<p>The most significant variety in the Flying Eagle series of 1856 to 1858, the 1858/7 Snow-1 has its own listing in the popular "Red Book" and is often collected as an integral part of a complete set of this small cent type. Snow Die Stage A, offered here, is the most desirable of the three known die states since it retains the most prominent remnants of the 7 underdigit. Indeed, a loupe reveals a nearly complete upper right corner of the 7 underdigit above and to the right of the second digit 8 in the date. An additional diagnostic of this variety is what appears to be a small die chip in the field above the space between the digits 85 in the date. Some numismatic scholars believe that this die chip is the remnant of the base of an errant 1. If so, the 1858/7 Snow-1 variety could be classified not only as an overdate, but also as a misplaced date. An elusive variety in all Mint State grades that is particularly rare as a Gem, the opportunity to acquire this premium quality Choice example deserves serious bidder consideration.<p>
