Lot 788
1856 Flying Eagle Cent. PCGS graded MS-63 PQ. Carefully preserved and delicately toned. Rare in Mint State. A Premium Quality coin for the given grade. A beaming Flying Eagle cent of the first year rolling in smooth, semi-reflective luster that emits boldly beneath bright highlights. Possessed of an average to (in some ways) better-quality strike than is normally found for a Mint State strike, all of the eagle's wing and breast feathers show, although the head and tail display noticeable softness where these lie opposite to the high points of the reverse wreath.
The bird on this rare cent was modeled upon a real eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), a proud bird with a white tail and head who once inhabited the Mint establishment. Bald eagles still flew through the skies of Philadelphia in the early 19th century, it seems. One friendly bird began spending evening hours at the first U.S. Mint (1792-1833) on 7th Street near Arch. The locals called him Peter. Eventually, Peter began wandering around inside the industrial building complex itself! The exact years of Peter's life and tragic demise are not known, but visitors can view his stuffed remains today inside the entrance of the U.S. Mint at 5th and Arch streets in Philadelphia. Pop 43; 50 finer (PCGS # 2013) .
Estimated Value $17,000 - 19,000.
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| Realized $19,550 |
