1856 Flying Eagle Cent NGC PF65
Denomination: $.01
Series: Flying Eagle
Composition: Copper
Year: 1856
Mint: Philadelphia
Grade: PF65
Designation: Absolute and Condition Rarity
Mintage: Approx. 1,000 to 1,500
Population in Grade: 90
Finer Known Examples: 15
Finest Known: PF67+
The 1856 Flying Eagle Cent is considered a pattern coin, but a very small number were struck for collectors. It is estimated that between 1,000 and 1,500 of these were struck in Proof, but a few have been designated circulation strikes. The Flying Eagle Cent is the first Small Cent, as Large Cents and Half Cents were no longer produced as of 1857. This coin is an absolute testament to the US Mint’s constant innovation of American coinage. With only 90 examples of the 1856 Flying Eagle Cent graded in PF65 condition, and just 15 finer known, this coin is in an elite class as both an Absolute and Condition Rarity.