Numismatic

1858 Flying Eagle Cent Small Letters Good

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In the late 1850s, the United States Mint underwent a major transition, moving away from large, bulky copper pennies to a smaller, more convenient size. The short-lived Flying Eagle cent series, minted only from 1856 to 1858, represents the very beginning of this new era. This 1858 issue, struck in Philadelphia, showcases a distinct aesthetic that departed dramatically from the traditional portraits of Liberty. The obverse features a majestic eagle in full flight, soaring across the coin's face. Surrounding the bird is the national legend, with the date 1858 anchored at the bottom. This particular variety is distinguished by its small letters layout in the legend. On the reverse, a simple yet elegant wreath encircles the denomination, which is clearly stated as ONE CENT. Crafted from a copper and nickel alloy, this coin represents a pivotal moment in American numismatic design, captured in a grade of Good.