Lot 1500
1857 Flying Eagle Cent. PCGS graded MS-64. A lustrous example that has shimmering coppery tan-red surfaces from the interplay of the 88% coppery allow mixd with 12% nickel. When bright new and fresh off the dies, collectors called these "white cents" - but as toning was acquired, the surface blossomed into a variety of warm hues, one of which is seen here (PCGS # 2016) .
In correspondence, Augustus Saint-Gaudens, whose designed the lovely high relief $20 gold pieces of 1907, felt that the 1857 Flying Eagle Cent was the finest motif found on any American coin. It is interesting to note that this same motif offered here he used on the Double Eagle half a century later.
Estimated Value $900 - 1,000.
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| Realized $1,610 |
