Numismatic

1857 Flying Eagle Cent MPD in Eagle VF

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The 1857 Flying Eagle cent represents a brief yet fascinating era in American numismatics, with the entire design series lasting only from 1856 to 1858. Struck in a durable copper-nickel alloy at the Philadelphia Mint, this particular coin showcases the artistic vision of designer James B. Longacre. The obverse displays an eagle in mid-flight, surrounded by the legend "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the date "1857" below. On the reverse, the denomination "ONE CENT" is framed by a detailed wreath. What makes this specific specimen compelling to study are its unique minting anomalies. It features a misplaced date, a curious error where digit remnants appear in unexpected areas of the die. Additionally, a visible cud, or die break, can be found in the eagle's wing, offering a tangible glimpse into the mechanical challenges of mid-nineteenth-century coin production.