1857 Flying Eagle Cent One Cent Coin
United States Mint · Collectibles & Antiques > Coins & Paper Money > US Coins
Era / Decade
1850s (specifically minted in 1857)
Material
Copper-Nickel (88% Copper, 12% Nickel)
Condition
Good to Very Good (Circulated). Heavy surface pitting, environmental damage, rim wear, and overall corrosion/granularity are present.
Demand Level
Strong — Flying Eagle Cents are always in demand among US type coin collectors regardless of condition.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$15 - $35 in current damaged/corroded state.
Estimated Retail Value
$0.01 face value originally; melt value is negligible.
Comparable Sales
Corroded/cull grade 1857 Flying Eagle cents routinely sell on eBay for $15-$25; problem-free Good to Very Good examples fetch $30-$50.
Description
Authentic 1857 Flying Eagle Cent featuring James B. Longacre's classic design. Depicts a soaring eagle on the obverse surrounded by 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' with the date '1857' below. Made from a copper-nickel composition, giving it a lighter, thicker appearance compared to modern bronze cents.
Key Features
Short-lived design series minted only from 1856 to 1858; highly desirable US type coin; historic pre-Civil War US currency.
Authenticity Indicators
Correct font styles and eagle profile; genuine copper-nickel metal texture visible; natural circulation wear patterns consistent with age. High confidence in authenticity.
Flaws to Note
Significant environmental damage with severe surface pitting and granular texture; rim nick at upper right; loss of finer feather detail.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (best for quick exposure to numismatic buyers), Heritage Auctions/GreatCollections (if part of a larger lot), or a local coin shop.
Selling Tips
DO NOT attempt to clean or polish this coin under any circumstances, as cleaning destroys value. Photograph both sides clearly in natural light.