An 1857 Flying Eagle cent rarity: type of 1856

[KurtS]

For Flying Eagle Cent collectors, here's is a very intriguing variety for your collection: the 1857 type of 1856.

Outside of the rare 1956 Flying Eagle pattern, it's one of the scarcer coins in the whole series.
According to my research only a few dozen are attributed by collectors, Rick Snow, and TPG registries. The actual run is unknown.
Compare that to 2300 estimated coins for 1856 in both proof and "business strike" versions.

The history behind this coin is that early in 1857, at least 2 undated obverse dies from the non-proof pattern run for 1856 were impressed with 1857 and used for the initial run of 1857 Flying Eagles. At first glance, the early 1857 and later 1857 may appear the same, but there are some distinct differences, as outlined below. Suffice to say--given the extreme cost of the 1856 FE cent, the 1857 type of 1856 presents an opportunity for the many collectors to own an early 1857 coin struck by the original pattern dies. The coin is also quite scarce--and quickly gaining notoriety. This coin is presently worth 2X-3X the normal 1857, and that appears to be climbing lately.

On a timely note, this morning I found one of these coins offered on eBay--unattributed.
Since I already have a nice copy in NGC AU55, I thought a collector here would like the opportunity? Good Luck--seize the moment
I don't normally recommend buying on eBay, but this coin is rather scarce and I see little to worry about from the pictures.
The grade appears to be XF40 with good color and a typical weak strike on the tail, and some planchet streaking w/possible lamination--common.
What's more, I think this particular coin is from an earlier die state. ;D

Below are the unique diagnostics of this variety, using a resampled photo form this auction:

• The inner shape of the O within "OF" is rectangular, particularly in the upper edge. Because this varies between strike, it must be confirmed by:
• The lower apex of the M in AMERICA is thin with a bulbous end that is clearly shifted to the left; the normal 1857 M point is centered between serifs.
• The middle serif of F in OF has an exaggerated lower point with concavity on the outer edge of the flare. The normal 1857 has a straight outer edge.




To provide a proper perspective, compare these same details to the common 1857 FE:

[eagames]

It's always fun to pick them like that.

The key is if you want it snap it up

[eagames]

Somebody picked it up for $30. I watched it....

I think if I noticed it myself I might have bid but since I didn't it would have been like catching a fish in a fish tank LOL

Whoever got it did well, about the going price for a regular 57 in that grade.

[Dick]

While I haven't been a collector to that extent, nor have I had the chance to do that kind of research, I have to admire those who have, and have shared it! It is very onteresting to rad about the differences in two coins,that edemonstrate the differences that clearly. Thank you Kurt, and also the others ahead of you. It makes it so much easier to "just look for the diffeences", that Kurt mentioned, etc. How much time has been invested in this research? It has to be hundreds of hours. I have been looking for trails, on later dated coins, and it is very time-consuming, and I know what I am looking for. think of those who do the samw, but don't know for sure what they will find!
Dick

[KurtS]

[Dick]

Kurt, sounds good! I have my FE section completely.......empty! And having an idea of what I might have to pay for one, (or more of those), I will be looking for one, or two, even all three, if it is possible. It will take a lot of help!
Check the World Copper section.
Dick

[KurtS]

[Dick]

DEAL! I'll be looking forward to putting an eagle on the "nest,", to see if anything hatches out!
Dick

[KurtS]

Hi Dick,
Just as an update--no luck on finding this variety at the show. In fact, I'd say 80% of the FEs there were complete junk. Sorry...just a little dismayed at people putting $30 tags on culls. I didn't see a single raw problem-free coin. Either harshly cleaned or worn to a nub.

On the other hand, I found a few other great things which I did not expect.

[eagames]

I wonder if this was a 58 or totaly fake?


http://cgi.ebay.com/Fake-1856-Flying-Eagle-Cent_W0QQitemZ190266724893QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCoins_US_Individual?hash=item190266724893&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

[KurtS]

I'm guessing that was originally an 1858, with a horribly reworked date. This photo isn't good enough to tell for sure, but if they took a valuable variety to make this fake, wouldn't that be ironic?
Any guesses on what I'm thinking here? While I cannot tell for sure, there are several funny consistencies here:

[Dick]

I have never seen aFEC, but I sure would be very causious about this one. Look at the ( sloppy job of making a 6 out of an .
I don't care if a coin is ugly, as long as it is genuine, and not cleaned. I'll go along even with a cleaned coin, if it isn't too obvious, but a FAKE, NO WAY! Not that I don't have any of either. I do, but not purchased, (or done so by my hand). One buys lots, or collections,, and one gets everything. That is life.
Dick

[KurtS]

Just as a bit of a hint, compare that mangled 1858 to the markers for the 1858/7.
Wouldn't it be ironic if someone screwed with a higher-grade MDS-LDS overdate to make an obviously fake 1856?

Here's an EDS/MDS. Note: the bump between the 8 in the date and the eagle is a marker too.

[eagames]

The flat area in the denticles on the lower right (of screen) on the rev might also be a good marker assuming it's not extra plastic on the holder.

If they hosed a variety to make that it's a shame!

[Dick]

Ed, Kurt, That would be ironic, and "serves you right"! Not having the revo f the other one to check, it may be 'forever a mystery/ The bump is visible on both pictures. Greed, and ignorance often go hand-in-hand.
Dick