Diagnostic Controls & Presets First US Small Cent
Diagnostic Forensic Readings
Forensic Attribution Diagnostic
Real-time metallurgical and die variety cross-examination verified against certified populations.
Technical Breakdown: Physics, Metallurgy & Die Diagnostics
Replaced the massive, heavy pure copper large cent (168 grains) with the modern small cent diameter (19mm).
Distributed to members of the 34th Congress and Treasury VIPs to lobby for replacing large copper cents.
Documented Benchmark Auction Records
Single finest certified Cameo proof; radiant pale golden-bronze fields and razor-sharp eagle wingtips.
Exceptional eye appeal with green CAC approval; completely uncleaned frosty copper-nickel surfaces.
Authentic frontier circulation specimen with genuine Snow-1 die scratch through the letter 'O' in OF.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 1856 Flying Eagle Cent?
The 1856 Flying Eagle Cent is the pattern coin that launched the modern small cent in the United States. Designed by Chief Engraver James B. Longacre, approximately 634 original specimens were struck in late 1856 to demonstrate to Congress the benefits of replacing large copper cents with compact copper-nickel coins.
Is the 1856 Flying Eagle Cent a pattern or a regular issue?
Technically, the 1856 Flying Eagle Cent is a pattern coin cataloged as Judd-180. However, because it was widely distributed, spent in commerce, and included in the standard Guide Book of United States Coins (the Red Book), it has been collected as an essential regular-issue key date for over 160 years.
Why were small cents called 'white cents'?
The alloy consisted of 88% copper and 12% nickel. Unlike the deep reddish-brown color of pure copper large cents, this new composition had a pale yellowish-white metallic sheen, leading the public to affectionately nickname them 'white cents' or 'nicks'.
How can I detect an altered 1856 Flying Eagle Cent?
The most common counterfeit is made by taking a cheap 1858 Flying Eagle Cent and tooling or carving the final digit '8' into a '6'. Genuine 1856 cents have specific die markers: on Snow-1 (the original die), the numeral '5' has a straight horizontal top bar with a sharp perpendicular downward corner, and a distinct microscopic die scratch connects the inner loop of 'O' in OF.
Why did the US Mint abandon the Flying Eagle design after only two years?
Chief Engraver Longacre's design featured high relief on both sides: the eagle's breast and wing on the obverse were directly opposite the dense wreath ribbon on the reverse. The 88/12 copper-nickel alloy was exceptionally hard, causing dies to break rapidly and producing weakly struck coins. It was replaced in 1859 by Longacre's Indian Head Cent.
What is the difference between original and restrike 1856 cents?
Originals (Snow-1) were struck in 1856 for Congress. Restrikes (Snow-2, 3, and 4) were produced clandestinely around 1859 under Mint Director James Ross Snowden to sell to wealthy collectors or trade for rare coins for the Mint Cabinet. Restrikes have slightly different font thicknesses in 'AMERICA'.
How much is an 1856 Flying Eagle Cent worth?
Even in heavily worn Good-4 condition, an authentic 1856 cent is worth $5,000 to $6,500. Very Fine specimens command $9,000 to $12,000. About Uncirculated examples bring $16,000 to $22,000, while Gem Proof-65 Cameo specimens exceed $45,000 to $65,000+ at major auctions.