Numismatic

1857 Flying Eagle Cent MS-63 NGC

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The 1857 Flying Eagle Cent represents a fascinating chapter in United States coinage. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint with no mint mark, this piece is a beautiful example of a short-lived design series that captured the imagination of the public during the pre-1933 era. Out of a total mintage of 17,450,000, this particular specimen has survived in remarkable condition, certified in Mint State 63 (MS-63). The obverse of the coin showcases a majestic eagle in active flight, a dynamic departure from the traditional Liberty portraits of the era. The year 1857 is clearly inscribed at the bottom, anchoring the coin to its historical moment just before the American Civil War. Crafted from a copper alloy, this coin showcases the artistry of mid-nineteenth-century American die engraving, preserving a crisp and detailed rendering of the soaring bird.