Following the production of small-diameter patterns since 1850, by 1856 the desire to create a new format cent for circulation was at its height. The Mint in Philadelphia struck close to 1,000 examples of James B. Longacre’s Flying Eagle design type for distribution to important individuals. Specialist Rick Snow suggests that the Snow-3 variety offered here “makes up most or all of the 634 specimens originally distributed to Congress to help promote passage of the pending coinage bill.” The presence of an 1856 Flying Eagle cent in one’s collection announces that a major milestone has been accomplished, and this piece is among the most historically significant survivors. In Stack’s Bowers Galleries Spring 2023 Auction, we will be offering the present coin, graded Proof-55 by PCGS.
