Lot 1081
1858 Flying Eagle Cent. Small letters. PCGS graded MS-65. This example is a beautiful fully struck gem with dazzling eye appeal. Mostly brilliant with a light golden toning. Some minor contact marks are present, but these do not detract from the look of the coin. Some light doubling visible on the date and right side of the coin is caused by strike doubling, a typical occurrence on the 1858 Small Letter cents.
The Mintage of 1858 Flying Eagles is divided fairly evenly between Large Letter and Small Letter types. The Small Letter design is a new style, one might say it's the style of 1858, whereas the Large Letters type could be called the style of 1857. In addition to the letters being smaller, the eagle was slightly redesigned as well. This is a whole separate design type, not just a minor modification.
In 1858 the reverses were redesigned as well. The style used in 1857 and early 1858 had a bolder wreath and denomination. The new style (seen on this example) has a shallower wreath and denomination. This is called "Low leaves" due to the length of the leaves inside the wreath below the C & T. The 1857 style, called "High leaves" has higher leaves in these positions.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500.
Includes Eagle Eye Photo Seal.
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| Realized $3,910 |
