If you’ve never watched a full coin video in your life, this is the topic that will change your mind. The Flying Eagle one-cent coin is one of the most fascinating and valuable U.S. pennies ever made — and they were only produced for three short years.
Even heavily worn examples can be worth thousands of dollars. Let’s break down why Flying Eagle cents are so valuable, what varieties to look for, and real prices collectors are paying today.
Step 1: When Were Flying Eagle Cents Made?
Flying Eagle cents were struck from:
- 1856
- 1857
- 1858
That’s it. No other years exist.
Step 2: Mintage Numbers (Why Scarcity Drives Value)
1856 Flying Eagle Cent
- Business strikes: 2,000–3,000
- Proofs: 1,000–1,500 known
1857 Flying Eagle Cent
- Business strikes: 17.4 million
- Proofs: ~100 coins
1858 Flying Eagle Cent
- Business strikes: 24+ million
- Proof Large Letters: ~100
- Proof Small Letters: ~200
Low mintage = high demand = big money.
Step 3: Large Letters vs Small Letters (1858)
Look closely at the word AMERICA:
- Large Letters: A and M nearly touching
- Small Letters: A and M clearly separated
This simple detail can mean a difference of tens of thousands of dollars.
Step 4: Incredible Auction Prices
1856 Business Strike (MS65)
- Sold for $94,000
1856 Damaged but Genuine
- Not gradable, authenticated by PCGS
- Sold for $4,700
Even damaged examples are worth thousands.
1856 Proof (PR67+)
- Only ~1,000 made
- Sold for $312,000
1857 Proof (PR66)
- Only ~100 known
- Sold for $46,000
1858 Overdate (8 over 7) MS65+
- Sold for $72,000
1858 Proof Large Letters PR67 Ultra Cameo
- Only ~100 known
- Sold for $84,000
1858 Business Strike (Small Letters) High Grade
- Sold for $40,000+
Step 5: Valuable Errors to Look For
Use a coin loupe or microscope to inspect:
- Doubled die obverse (eyes, beak, lettering doubled)
- Repunched dates (1857/57, 1858/8, 8 over 7)
- Die clashes (design from other side visible)
- Off-center strikes
- Broadstrikes
Even common-date coins become valuable with strong errors.
Step 6: Why Condition Still Matters
Grades range from 1 to 70.
Examples:
- 1856 in Very Poor condition → ~$7,000
- 1856 in MS66 → ~$350,000
Same coin… massive difference.
Step 7: What To Do If You Find One
- Do not clean the coin
- Store in a protective holder
- Send to PCGS or NGC for authentication
- Get professional grade
- Research auction prices
Final Thoughts
Flying Eagle cents are proof that one penny can change your life. Whether damaged or pristine, these coins command serious money because of their short production run and collector demand.
Always check old collections, inherited coins, and estate finds. You might be sitting on a hidden treasure. 
