It is an 1858 Small Letter Flying Eagle. The A & M in America have a good space between them. The Large letter variety they almost touch.
They 'clearly' marked it an 1956 too. Doubtful that the man that was helping me was the one who bought or marked the coin though.
I searched Google for 1858 Flying Eagle Cent and chose the NGC site. https://www.ngccoin.com/coin-explor...scid-16/1858-large-letters-1c-ms-coinid-12020
Is the surface OK under those dark stains? The one under T on the reverse looks like it's got an active green spot...
Those are good questions, JeffB. I don't know how to determine the condition of the surface under the dark stains, that is, without trying to remove it. As for the green, I am assuming it is 'active' because of the other FE I saw, which obviously came from the same seller/place. I think I will go buy the other FE with the green spots because what I gather from NGC and Ebay, if it's in a decently high grade, it will still be worth more than the $25 price tag even with the damage. Thanks!
It could be, but I'd be reluctant to take that bet. A coin with active corrosion isn't just a damaged coin, it's a coin that's getting worse. If VerdiCare were still on the market, I might be a bit more tempted.
You stole it. That coin is at least a $45 to $50 coin as you said, and maybe closer to $60 in some price guides. Heck, yeah, go back and see what else you can get! That's like when I walked into an antique shop not too long ago and saw an 1883 V nickel (With "CENTS", the more expensive variety) for $6.00. Even though the coin was AG-3 to G-4, it's worth more than $6.00. I never had an 1883 of either variety, so I bought it. When I was heavy into stamps, I also got some GREAT buys at mail auctions, especially where I specialized in an area or country that the dealer knew little or nothing about. KNOWLEDGE IS KEY to making finds!
Manny, thanks for the input. I went back today and the shopkeeper was much more 'tuned in' to what I was doing. I think he now knows I'm not the average shopper. I pulled aside 5 coins that interested me, but I had to do some research on before buying. Any opinions on any of these? Sorry no photos. A matter of 'yes, can't go wrong' or 'no, price too high' or 'maybe if grade X'. 1877-S Trade Dollar $175 (would need XF-40-45 or better) Checking for counterfeit. 1921 Peace Dollar in generic slab $125 (need AU or better) I'm looking for any VAM 1894-O Morgan $95 (need XF40-AU50) 1903-S Morgan $75 could be cleaned? I need to check for micro S. (need F-12 or better) 1891-CC Morgan (in NGC or PCGS slab) Top 100 S$1 VAM 3 Spitting Eagle UNC details cleaned $600
I'd pass on the 1891-CC Morgan Spitting Eagle. To me that's a bit too high for a "details-cleaned" grade. If that trade dollar is the real McCoy I'd jump on it. The others seem ok. But that's just my opinion. Let's see what some other more experienced people say.