1857 Flying Eagle Cent (Small Cent)
United States Mint · Collectibles & Antiques > Coins & Paper Money > US Coins
Era / Decade
1850s (specifically dated 1857 on the obverse)
Material
88% Copper, 12% Nickel (Cupronickel composition giving it a pale bronze appearance)
Condition
Poor / Heavily Corroded (AG to Good detail, but severely damaged by ground exposure or environmental corrosion). The date '1857' and central Flying Eagle motif remain legible despite deep pitting and severe surface rough texturing.
Demand Level
Strong (US Flying Eagle cents are always popular as affordable type coins, even in cull or damaged condition).
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$8.00 - $15.00 - $25.00 (Low: $8, Mid: $15, High: $25 due to heavy environmental damage/corrosion).
Estimated Retail Value
$0.01 face value originally; modern catalog value in standard Problem-Free Good condition is around $30-$40.
Comparable Sales
Corroded or heavily damaged 1857 Flying Eagle cents with clear dates typically sell on eBay for $10 to $20 as cull type coins or entry-level album fillers.
Description
Authentic US 1857 Flying Eagle Small Cent coin featuring the iconic soaring eagle on the obverse and date 1857 clearly visible at the bottom. Highly collectible short-lived series struck only from 1856 to 1858. This piece exhibits heavy porosity and environmental corrosion, but maintains full date legibility and a recognizable silhouette of the eagle.
Key Features
Clear, readable 1857 date; historic first small cent series in US history; highly sought-after type coin for US coin collectors and album fillers.
Authenticity Indicators
authentic copper-nickel fabric and weight appearance, correct typography for 1857, raised date positioning matches original US Mint die characteristics. Confidence Level: High.
Flaws to Note
Extremely porous and pitted surface, likely a metal-detector find or dug coin; heavy oxidation and environmental corrosion across both obverse and reverse fields; never clean this chemically as it will ruin remaining value.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (best audience for damaged/cull US coins as 'album fillers'), Reddit r/Coins4Sale, or local coin shop/numismatic show.
Selling Tips
Do NOT attempt to clean, polish, or scrape the coin, as harsh cleaning destroys collector value. Take clear, well-lit photos under neutral light showing the clear 1857 date. Title with keywords: '1857 Flying Eagle Cent US Small Penny Cull Dug Corroded Date Clear Type Coin'.