A regular penny doesn't buy much these days (even most gumball machines take more than a cent), but there are a few pennies worth more than most cars. The Flying Eagle cent, which was issued for circulation for only two years, is one of the most valuable pennies collectors look for. Although there were some early patterns of the coin, it really only got released in 1857 and 1858.
The Flying Eagle cent has an eagle in flight on the front and a wreath around the words "one cent" on the back. It's a pretty design, but it's also historically important. It was the first small cent (what we think of as a normal size of penny). Prior to this coin, US pennies were larger. Because of how uncommon the Flying Eagle cent can be, it tends to have some value.
Most Valuable Flying Eagle Cents
In any condition, a Flying Eagle cent is worth way more than a penny. Coins that have seen plenty of circulation and wear still tend to be worth at least $30, and they can be valued much higher if they're in very good shape.
| Flying Eagle Cent | Value |
|---|---|
| 1856 Snow-3 Flying Eagle cent pattern | $240,000 |
| 1858 Flying Eagle cent proof with small letters | $87,400 |
| 1858/7 Flying Eagle cent | $75,025 |
| 1858 Flying Eagle cent proof with large letters | $57,500 |
| 1857 Flying Eagle cent proof | $43,125 |
Is the Flying Eagle cent rare? Although there were a lot of Flying Eagle cents minted in the two years it was made for circulation, they're hard to find in good condition. Some, such as the 1856 pattern for this coin, are really rare. Others are still uncommon.
1856 Snow-3 Flying Eagle Cent Pattern
Although the Flying Eagle cent didn't enter regular circulation until 1857, there were pattern coins struck and distributed in 1856. These can be super valuable, but there's some variation in their quality. The Snow-3 version had the 5 on the date repunched and is considered the highest quality and most collectible of these early Flying Eagle cents. One example in incredibly fine condition sold for $240,000 in 2020.
1858 Flying Eagle Cent Proof With Small Letters
The 1858 Flying Eagle cent came in two text styles: large letters and small letters. In the small letters variety, the writing is spaced further apart, and the letters in "America" do not overlap. It's much rarer than the large letters. Only about 100 proofs of the small letters type were struck, and those in beautiful condition sell for top dollar. One example fetched $87,400 at auction in 2003.
1858/7 Flying Eagle Cent
The only overdate in the Flying Eagle cent series was a combo of the 1858 and 1857 coins. You can spot this Flying Eagle cent error by looking at the 8 carefully and checking for signs of a 7 behind it. These are rare, especially in good condition. One sold for $75,025 in 2014.
1858 Flying Eagle Cent Proof With Large Letters
Although the 1858 Flying Eagle cent with large letters is more common than the small letters variety, it's extremely rare in proof state. The strike is very strong and gives more contrast and definition than a standard business strike for this coin. One example sold for $57,500 in 2004.
1857 Flying Eagle Cent Proof
Proofs of the 1857 Flying Eagle cent are rare, with experts estimating fewer than 50 known to exist. It's considered one of the most difficult coins to find in the Flying Eagle series, so these tend to sell for a lot. In 2009, one sold for $43,125.
Related: 10 Most Valuable Rare Pennies & Their Fascinating Stories
How to Spot a Valuable Flying Eagle Cent
While you might not have one of these ultra-valuable pennies in your collection, it's worth checking any Flying Eagle cent for a few signs it could be more valuable than the standard issue. Here are some things to check.
- Use a magnifying glass. Things like the 1858/7 overdate or the difference between small and large letters can be really subtle. Look carefully at the details.
- Keep condition in mind. The most valuable Flying Eagle cents are in the best condition. Look for coins that haven't seen much circulation.
- Check the strike quality. The Flying Eagle cent was difficult to strike well, and the details of the eagle can be less distinct on a lot of examples. If you have one that's very sharp, it could be more valuable.
- Watch for 1856. Although not every 1856 pattern coin is worth six figures, they're all worth a lot. There were only 2,000 of these minted.
- Look for proofs. A proof has stronger details and more contrast between the design and the background. If you think you have a proof, it could be worth more.
Related: Coin Collection Appraisal Tips to Recognize Their True Value
Flying Eagle Penny: Part of History
If you've got a coin collection or are going through some coins you inherited, the Flying Eagle cent is one of the most captivating to study. Because it was only around for a couple of years, it's special. It's also an important part of history and a treasure, whether it's worth $30 or $30,000.
