A recent post by one of the community members (Look what came across my desk today!) inspired me to see if any of our community have any REAL 1856 Flying Eagle Cents? These coins have always fascinated me. Not sure if they have ever been deemed a legitimate coin production, or just a pattern coin. Anyone know off hand? I'd love to see your 1856's! Where did you get it/ find it?!?! Thanks!
They are all patterns or restrikes made later. they can't be a legitimate coin production because the Flying eagle cent design was not approved for production until Feb 1857. Since they are dated before they became a legal design they can't be legitimate coins.
Thanks for that information Conder! Since they weren't approved until 1857, then you're right. They HAVE to be patterns. You mention restrikes. That makes me wonder... anyone have handy how many were actually struck in 1856? As for the restrikes, when were they done? Are either more valuable than the other? Technically speaking, the restrikes are contemporary counterfeits.... wouldn't they be?
I got to see two of them last year. Two of my local dealers had them. One was in an old ANACS holder and the other was in a PCGS holder. Both were stunning.
According to the Red Book “Bible” , The 1856 Flying Eagle is a pattern coin. Some PROOF coins were made. There were an estimated combined 2,000 to 3,000 coins proof & regular minted for sale to collectors. Dave
Thanks for those numbers Dave. 2000 - 3000. Those would be 'original' strikes in 1856? Or, do those numbers include the 'restrikes' done later for sale to collectors?
Wow Johnny... Wow.... That's a beauty.... LOVE IT!!! Why can't this site have a "I freakin LOVE IT" button... Like just doesn't seem strong enough! lol
thanks! I bought her off of ebay about 2 years ago. I had to sell some gold to acquire it as it was costly, but I still got a relatively decent price on it and its one of the highlights of my collection.
Wow, I just got my butt kicked! lol. Congratulations on an amazing purchase of a beautiful 1856 flyer. Not sure, but taking an educated guess that this is an S-9 because I think I see the small dot under the N in the top seriff of the N. PR-64?
What's sad is that second 1856 is a better grade then the vf30 1858 I have in my type set amazing though.
That's OK, they can't tell the Proofs from the MS pieces either. They tried for awhile and got it wrong so often they just gave up and now they call all of them Proofs.
I have a client that's looking for one - anyone know where he can find a certified one at a great price?