Flying Eagle (1856-58) Small Cents Coins: US Coins & Paper Money
The 1856 Flying eagle small cents were the first to be created after the large and half-cents were proven to be too costly to produce. The number of 1856 flying eagle cents is ultimately unknown, and the number speculated to be between seven hundred and one thousand. The first flying eagle cents of 1856 were put into circulation without going through the proper processes and channels of authorization. Even at this time, although it is almost certain not to happen, the Secret Service agents still have the authority to seize the flying eagle coins of 1856. These coins are considered to be vert rare, and were modeled in design to resemble the Gobrecht silver dollar of 1836-1839.
Discount & Bargain
The issue of the next flying eagle cents was authorized on February 21, 1857. These were the first small cents authorized, and proved to be very popular among citizens and collectors alike. So popular, in fact, the US Mint set up booths to sell them to the public! As of now, collectors of coins generally accumulate all three of the flying eagle small cents dating from 1856-1858 to make a complete set.
If you want your piece of American history from a tumultuous time period, the flying eagle cents is a necessity to add to your collection. These are the first small cents ever created, and making a complete set of these three rare coins is an effort that must be made by the serious collector.
