1856 1C Flying Eagle MS64 Certification #03736818, PCGS #2013

CoinFacts Details

Expert Comments

Jaime Hernandez

The 1856 Flying Eagle cent is a very important coin in American history, as it was very instrumental in popularizing coin collecting throughout America in the late 1800’s.

The 1856 Flying Eagle cents were initially struck as presentation pieces and to introduce them to members of Congress and other dignitaries. Records indicate that at least 634 examples were produced for this purpose alone. However, in the ensuing months, it is believed that additional examples were produced at different intervals, so that they can also be presented to additional government dignitaries.

Furthermore, it is believed that other examples of the 1856 Flying eaglree cents were struck for collectors who were aware of the coins and desired one of their own. These examples eventually made it into circulation. Consequently, some refer to all 1856 cents as patterns, since they were struck primarily for presentation purposes. Others, consider some of the 1856 Flying Eagle cents circulation strike coins, since they were produced in large quantities and were eventually released into circulation. Regardless if some of coins are considered circulation strikes or patterns, the coins are historical relics of American history, as, they attracted some of America's first and most dedicated coin collectors.

It is not known exactly how many 1856 cents were produced, but estimates range anywhere from 1,500 to about 2,150 examples. Whatever the exact figure is, one thing is for certain. There has never been enough coins in existence to meet the high demand. One of the clearest indications of the 1856 Flying Eagle cent's popularity, is the prices they command when they do become available. Even in the lowest grades such as Good-4, most examples will command thousands of dollars and even much more when they remain in higher condition.

PCGS #

2013

Designer

James Barton Longacre

Edge

Plain

Diameter

19.00 millimeters

Weight

4.70 grams

Mintage

634

Metal

Copper-Nickel

Pop Higher

Pop Lower

243

Region

The United States of America

Price Guide

PCGS Population

Auctions - PCGS Graded

Auctions - NGC Graded

Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More

Grades	Survival Estimate The Survival Estimate represents an average of one or more experts opinions as to how many examples survive of a particular coin in three categories: 1) all grades, 2) 60 or better, and 3) 65 or better. These estimates are based on a variety of sources, including population reports, auction appearances, and personal knowledge. Survival estimates include coins that are raw, certified by PCGS, and certified by other grading services.	Numismatic Rarity Numismatic Rarity converts the Survival Estimate for a particular coin into a number from 1 to 10 (with decimal increments) based on the PCGS Rarity Scale. The higher the number, the more rare the coin.	Relative Rarity by Type Relative Rarity By Type ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Type. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.	Relative Rarity by Series Relative Rarity By Series ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Series. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
65 or Better	550	R-5.9	1 / 5	1 / 5
All Grades	225	R-6.7	2 / 5	2 / 5
60 or Better	25	R-9.0	2 / 5	2 / 5

Survival Estimate The Survival Estimate represents an average of one or more experts opinions as to how many examples survive of a particular coin in three categories: 1) all grades, 2) 60 or better, and 3) 65 or better. These estimates are based on a variety of sources, including population reports, auction appearances, and personal knowledge. Survival estimates include coins that are raw, certified by PCGS, and certified by other grading services.
65 or Better	550
All Grades	225
60 or Better	25

Numismatic Rarity Numismatic Rarity converts the Survival Estimate for a particular coin into a number from 1 to 10 (with decimal increments) based on the PCGS Rarity Scale. The higher the number, the more rare the coin.
65 or Better	R-5.9
All Grades	R-6.7
60 or Better	R-9.0

Relative Rarity by Type Relative Rarity By Type ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Type. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
65 or Better	1 / 5
All Grades	2 / 5
60 or Better	2 / 5

Relative Rarity by Series Relative Rarity By Series ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Series. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
65 or Better	1 / 5
All Grades	2 / 5
60 or Better	2 / 5

Condition Census Learn More

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	MS66 PCGS grade	Joseph P. Gorrell Collection - Heritage 1/2003:4401, $103,500
1	MS66 PCGS grade
3	MS65+ PCGS grade
4	MS65 PCGS grade
4	MS65 PCGS grade

#1 MS66 PCGS grade

Joseph P. Gorrell Collection - Heritage 1/2003:4401, $103,500

#1 MS66 PCGS grade

#3 MS65+ PCGS grade

#4 MS65 PCGS grade