1856 Flying Eagle Cent. Snow-9. Proof-58 (PCGS). The classic 1856 Flying Eagle cent in handsome and highly desirable Proof-58 preservation. Rich color in a blend of deep rose, steel-olive and pale pinkish-tan greets the viewer from both sides. The reverse is a bit lighter than the obverse, but both sides are equally free of significant marks or other blemishes. Nearly full striking detail remains in the absence of all but the lightest trace of friction.<p>The 1856 Flying Eagle cent was first prepared as a pattern in late 1856 and early 1857 to illustrate the new small size cent in copper-nickel composition. These coins were envisioned as replacements for the costly large copper cents first struck in 1793. Later in 1857, and continuing through at least early 1860, the Mint struck additional examples. The later strikings were initially meant for distribution to Congressional leaders, Mint personnel and others in government posts, but by 1859, if not late 1858, Mint Director Colonel James Ross Snowden was striking 1856 Flying Eagle cents expressly for distribution to contemporary collectors. According to Rick Snow, the 1856 Flying Eagle cent had become so popular during the late 1850s that prices soon reached $2 per coin, sparking the nations first coin collecting boom.<p>Snow-9 is the most frequently encountered die marriage of this classic issue, accounting for the majority of Proofs struck for collectors from 1856-dated dies circa 1859. The exact striking period for these coins is unknown, and production may have begun as early as 1858 and likely continued into 1860. We also do not know how many 1856 Flying Eagle cents were prepared during this later striking period. The coins were not part of a regular issue and the mintage was not reported by Mint personnel. Most of the coins that Director Snowden began selling to collectors in 1859 were struck in Proof format, as here, and the number extant suggests a mintage on the order of 1,500 pieces. PCGS# 2037. NGC ID: 227A.
