Numismatic

1858 Flying Eagle Cent Large Letters XF

---

The 1858 Flying Eagle Cent represents a captivating moment in United States coinage, showcasing a departure from traditional portrait designs. This particular specimen is the Large Letters variety, distinguished by the specific style and spacing of the lettering on the obverse. Struck in Philadelphia, the coin is composed of an alloy containing 88 percent copper and 12 percent nickel. On the obverse, an American eagle is captured mid-flight, soaring gracefully across the field. The year 1858 is anchored at the bottom, beneath the majestic bird. The reverse is dedicated to the denomination, displaying the words ONE CENT nestled inside a detailed, woven wreath. Preserved in Extra Fine condition, this coin retains sharp details from James B. Longacre's original mid-nineteenth-century design. The crispness of the eagle's feathers and the leaves of the wreath offer a wonderful opportunity to study the artistry of this short-lived American coin series.