Exploring the Flying Eagle Cent
The Flying Eagle cent holds a special place in the history of American currency. Introduced in 1856, it was part of a movement to replace the large copper cents that had circulated since the early years of the United States. The American public was ready for a change. Coins were bulky and cumbersome, making daily transactions less convenient.
The Origin of the Flying Eagle Cent
Before the Flying Eagle cent, the half-cent, large cent, and dollar coins were all made of nearly pure copper. With rising metal prices and increasing public demand for a smaller, lighter coinage, the U.S. Mint sought alternatives. The Flying Eagle cent marked the beginning of this transition period.
The idea for a small cent was proposed as early as the 1850s. Mint Director James Ross Snowden played a major role in bringing the project to fruition. The production technique and design also needed to change to accommodate the smaller size and new metal content.
Design and Production
The Flying Eagle cent’s design was the work of James B. Longacre, the Mint’s Chief Engraver. The obverse side featured a flying eagle, a straightforward and powerful American symbol. The reverse side showed an olive wreath, which was borrowed from the pattern of the earlier large cents.
Instead of pure copper, the Flying Eagle cent was composed of an alloy, 88% copper and 12% nickel. This choice resulted in a sturdier and lighter coin with a more pleasing appearance. The coin had a diameter of 19 millimeters and weighed 4.67 grams, smaller and lighter than the penny it replaced.
Production Challenges and Shortcomings
The initial production in 1856 was limited, primarily as a trial. This year remains one of the most sought-after dates due to its rarity. In 1857, full-scale production began, minting millions of coins that quickly entered circulation. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing.
The Flying Eagle cent encountered a peculiarity in minting. The metal alloy was tough on the dies, causing them to wear out quickly. This led to constant replacements and production halts. The design’s shallow relief was problematic, often resulting in poor-quality strikes that left the detail of the Flying Eagle obscured. These issues affected the coin’s longevity in circulation.
The Coin in Circulation
Despite production issues, the Flying Eagle cent was well received by the public. It superseded its predecessor due to its manageable size and weight. As it replaced the unwieldy large cent, public acceptance was vast and immediate. This change also aligned with the shift in economic exchanges in urbanizing America.
A 19th-century economy turning towards industrialization needed coins to be practical for everyday trading. The compact nature of the Flying Eagle matched this need perfectly. However, its tenure would be short-lived due to the production quirks.
Transition to the Indian Head Cent
Another new design was necessary to alleviate the production concerns of the Flying Eagle cent. This demand paved the way for the Indian Head cent in 1859. The Indian Head design replaced the eagle motif with a rendition of Lady Liberty in a Native American headdress. Despite its new look, the coin maintained the same metal composition initially.
Transitioning from the Flying Eagle to the Indian Head cent was seamless in terms of public acceptance. The coin still embodied American ideals while promising better longevity through alterations in production.
Collecting Flying Eagle Cents
Today, Flying Eagle cents are a prized collectible. Enthusiasts appreciate the coin for its historical importance and its role as a bridge between designs. The 1856 issue is especially coveted. As it was never meant for broad circulation, finding one can be a collector’s dream.
- 1856: Approximately 500-1000 estimated units exist. Produced as a pattern and gifted to dignitaries and collectors.
- 1857: About 17.45 million produced. This was the first year for general release.
- 1858: More than 24 million minted. It marked the final year for this design.
The 1858 variety includes small and large letter styles on the reverse. These are minor design tweaks that attract dedicated numismatists looking for variations and rare examples. Each serves as a relic from a transformative time for U.S. coinage.
The Flying Eagle Cent’s Legacy
The introduction of the Flying Eagle cent marked a significant shift in American numismatics. It was a pioneering step toward more modern coins, paving the way for future designs and compositions. Despite its short run, it influenced how currency was perceived and used in the evolving American economic landscape.
Analyzing its design, production strengths, and flaws provides insight into the period’s technological advancements and market demands. It’s a snapshot of mid-19th-century America, offering collectors and historians a tangible link to the nation’s vibrant growth and transformation.