Numismatic

1858 Flying Eagle Cent Large Letters VF

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The 1858 Flying Eagle Cent represents the final year of a brief but highly influential series in American numismatics, which was produced only from 1856 to 1858. Minted in Philadelphia, this coin was struck in a durable copper and nickel alloy. The design, created by James B. Longacre, departed from the traditional portraits of Liberty that dominated early American coinage, opting instead for a dynamic image of an eagle in flight. On the obverse, the majestic flying eagle is surrounded by the legend "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the date "1858" below. This legend stretches in an arc from the 9 o'clock position to the 3 o'clock position. This specific coin features the "Large Letters" variety, a detail distinguished by the letters "A" and "M" in the word "AMERICA" actually touching at their bases. The reverse of the coin presents a clean and focused design. The denomination "ONE CENT" is prominently displayed in the center, enclosed by a detailed decorative wreath. This particular specimen survives in Very Fine condition, allowing observers to appreciate the fine details of the eagle's feathers and the wreath's foliage.