Lot 787
1856 Flying Eagle Cent. PCGS graded Proof 65. Well struck with nice even toning. Not like some half-forgotten date from the 1880s or 1890s, this is the famous (dare we say, world-famous?) Flying Eagle cent struck in 1856. What's more, its grade is confirmed by powerfully burning luster that explodes like a fire storm on the largely brilliant surfaces of this near-perfect gem. A flicker of sunset gold highlights the uppermost areas of the obverse and in wide swaths across the reverse around the wreath, combine with comparable splashes deeper coppery shades to give it a wonderful appearance. Devices are sharp in all areas, as struck, a positive feature collectors will appreciate. Clearly, the grading service has taken this into consideration in assigning the Gem Proof 65 grade (as also appreciated by collectors). Pop 46; 5 finer, 4 in 66, 1 in 67 (PCGS # 2037) .
In 1856 one master die was made for the Flying Eagle cent (today the letters are called the Style of 1856 letters and, among other attributes, have a squared center in the O in OF; A and M in AMERICA touch, but the M is slightly higher than the A). This identical master die was used to make all 1856-dated dies and, very early in 1857, to make 1857-dated dies with Style of 1856 letters. In all probability, the letter punches used to make this and other master dies were ordered from a private source outside the Mint, according to scholarly sources.
Estimated Value $20,000 - 23,000.
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