Lot 678
1857 Flying Eagle Cent. NGC graded MS-66. Old holder. A gorgeous gem of the finest order, one whose full-blown luster is amplified mightily by the lovely toning. The highly lustrous surfaces no detractions in the way of spotting or marks of note. Sharply struck as well, in fact fully so, which is unusual due to the hard nature of the 88% copper, 12% nickel alloy. Definitely sharp enough to merit mention here. Pop 11; None finer at NGC. (PCGS # 2016) .
Historic note: This basic knuckle-action coining press mechanism that struck the Flying Eagle cents (also called the lever press mechanism), was pioneered in 1817 in Germany. The striking was more uniform than that accomplished by the older, pre-1836 screw-type press driven by weighted arms.
The first steam press employed in Philadelphia was installed in 1836. It and the others that were purchased afterwards continued in use until 1858, when a gentleman named David Gilbert improved the Mint presses. (In 1874 a larger and even more powerful type of knuckle-action press made in Philadelphia by Morgan & Orr was installed at the Mint.).
Estimated Value $6,500 - 7,000.
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| Realized $7,800 |
