Lot 1517
1856 Flying Eagle Cent. PCGS graded Proof 63. The key date. Approx 2,000 struck. Light even toning. Pop 132. An more than moderately bright and lively specimen of this rare, highly desired issue with strong luster in the fields, plus a confident, no-compromises strike. Everything you would want from the grade, and probably then some. The eagle's breast feathers are all complete. Its wings are finely detailed. There is an eye; a complete beak and claws; exactly what is expected from a well-made Proof. When it comes to the reverse, this has James Longacre's first "wreath of cereals".
The design of this handsome, balanced wreath was used on several occasions. It appears first on the gold dollars (type 2 and 3) as well as the $3 gold pieces, and is followed on the flying eagle cents as well as several Patterns of the period. The wreath is comprised of corn, wheat, cotton and tobacco, the staple export crops of mid-19th century American agriculture. This is the first design of a cereal wreath created by the Mint's chief engraver, 1844-69. (Longacre's second wreath, used on numerous Pattern coins as well as the half dimes and dimes during his tenure in office, is comprised of cotton, tobacco, sugar cane, corn, wheat and oak leaves.) (PCGS # 2037) .
Estimated Value $14,000 - 15,000.
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| Realized $17,825 |
