The flyer cent wasn't made until 1856 [rare], 1857, and 1858. Jusr go slow and post up what you are working on. You may want to get a few reference books.
I got it out to check the date, it is an 1856 flying eagle. I also found an uncirculated 1864 2 cent coin, looks brand new. A whole set of uncirculated 1898 coins too.
If it's a real 1856 cent you are very lucky. In the 2 cent piece there were two types; small motto and large motto. The small is the rare one.
I think its a large motto. The envelope says 1 small, and 1 large, but there is only 1 coin in it. I guess I need to start a thread for all the coins I'm finding. There are double die sets, proof sets, and things I'm not even sure what they are saying because I'm not seeing it. But then again, dont really know everything to look for. I'm on research overload. Also found a 22K $100 canadian coin in case with certificates. These are going for a good amount on Ebay. Have some canadian proof sets too. At first, i thought they had all the right coins, but all the wrong years, and then I find another box. My wifes aunt seems to have been an avid coin collector, but was not an organized one.
I think you are on to a nice windfall there. The first thing I would do is get a handle on that 1856 Flying Eagle cent. Take it to a coin show or [sigh] coin dealer and get it authenticated if you can't post a picture here. You will need a guide such as a 2010 Redbook to show you quickly what to look for regarding the other US coins.
There are lots of 1858 Flying Eagle Cents that have had their date altered to 1856. It is very easy to spot if you know what to look for. The giveaway is in the numeral '5' - the relationship between the vertical bar and the ball. I'm sure you can find a photo or sketch on-line of what a '5' on a genuine genuine should look like with a bit of Googling.
Fortunatly, we know this collection, and definately the box that coin was in, was her Aunt's grandmothers, and has been in the family since 1901 and probably earlier. But thank you for pointing that out. I will definately try to verify that. Anyone know if the small date 1960 pennies have any value, or double die 1955,and other year, pennies? Her envelope says small date more valuable than large, and she called the double die's poorman's. there are other pennies (Lincoln) labeled cracked skull,and it does look like there is a crack in his head.
I do not think the poormans doubled die is worth much - check this site out http://www.lincolncentresource.com/FAQ/Poormansdoubleddie.html. I use it alot. Die cracks are common on Licoln cents - not worth a premium, but some people will bid on them. I recommend going to walmart and getting a redbook today to help with the searching.
In the massive pile of 1942 mercury dimes, while looking for a 1 over 2, I came across one of the dimes that her face is a little different than all the rest. I dont know how well it comes across in the pic, cause I already know what it is, so I can see it. I want to see if its me, or you guys see it too. So I'm not going to say what I think. Anyway, it is the one in the center, with the others for reference.
I started another thread to cover the collection so its not under the pointy tail dime title. http://www.cointalk.com/forum/t62826/#post647596
