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Sale 74
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Lot 2455
1856 Flying Eagle Cent. PCGS graded MS-63. Pop 41; 50 finer at PCGS in Mint State. Nice even toning and well struck, with all the finer detail seen on the eagle's wings, breast, and leg feathers. The cereal wreath on the reverse by Longacre is comprised of cotton, tobacco, sugar cane, corn, wheat and oak leaves. This is the first design of a cereal wreath created by the Mint’s chief engraver, 1844-69. All design elements are similarly well impressed by the dies as on the obverse. A handsome offering of this Key Date Small Cent. The Flying Eagle and Indian Cents are collected as a single Set. This may be due to the 1856-58 Flying Eagles having lasted such a short time. Also, the main designer of both was mint engraver James B. Longacre. so the two Types go together (PCGS # 2013) .
On the dollars of 1836, 1838 and 1839, and the copper-nickel cent coins in 1856-58 is the portrait of an American eagle which was for many years a familiar sight in the streets of Philadelphia. "Peter," one of the finest eagles ever captured alive, was the pet of the Philadelphia Mint, and was generally known as the "Mint bird." Not only did he have free access to every part of the Mint, going without hindrance into the treasure vaults where even the treasurer of the United States would not go alone, but he used his own pleasure in going about the city, flying over the houses, sometimes perching upon lamp posts in the streets. Everybody knew him, and even the street boys treated him with respect.
The government provided his daily fare, and he was as much a part of the Mint establishment as the superintendent or the chief coiner. He was kindly treated and had no fear of anybody or anything, and he might be in the Mint yet if he had not sat down to rest upon one of the great flywheels. The wheel started without warning, and Peter was caught in the machinery. One of his wings was broken, and he died a few days later. The superintendent had his body beautifully mounted, with his wings spread to their fullest extent; and to this day Peter stands in a glass case in the Mint cabinet. A portrait of him as he stands in the case was put upon the coins named.
In stuffed form Peter was exhibited widely including at the Treasury exhibit at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. Today the bird is on view in the lobby of the Philadelphia Mint on Independence Square.
Estimated Value $18,000 - 20,000.
The Coltrin Family Collection.
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| Realized $14,950 |
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