1856 1C Flying Eagle S-4 PR(PCGS#389777)

October 2018 Baltimore U.S. Coins Auction

Commissaire-priseur

Stack's Bowers

Numéro du lot

2025

Grade

PR61

Prix

12 600

Description du lot

Classic 1856 Flying Eagle Cent Rare and Significant Snow-4 Die Variety 1856 Flying Eagle Cent. Snow-4. Rarity-7. Proof-61 (PCGS). CAC. An attractive and desirable example of this perennially popular date in the United States Mint's small cent series. This is a sharply struck coin, typical of the issue, with crisp delineation to the eagle's plumage and the details in the wreath on the reverse. Dominant tan-brown patina to both sides, the reverse also exhibits wisps of light apricot and pinkish-lilac that further enhance already strong eye appeal. A historically significant issue, the first year Flying Eagle cent was initially prepared as a pattern in late 1856 and early 1857 to illustrate the new small size cent in copper-nickel composition, which was envisioned as a replacement for the costly (to produce) large copper cents first struck in 1793. Later in 1857, and continuing through at least early 1860, the Mint struck additional examples. The later strikings were initially meant for distribution to Congressional leaders, Mint personnel and others in government posts, but by 1859, if not as early as 1858, Mint Director Colonel James Ross Snowden was striking 1856 Flying Eagle cents expressly for distribution to contemporary collectors who had become fascinated with the nation's first copper-nickel cent. According to Rick Snow (A Guide Book of Flying Eagle and Indian Head Cents, 2006), the 1856 Flying Eagle cent had become so popular during the late 1850s that prices soon reached $2 per coin, sparking the nation's first coin collecting boom. With most 1856 Flying Eagle cents encountered in today's market struck from the Snow-9 die pairing, the present example is a noteworthy rarity due to the Snow-4 attribution. This variety combines the Pointed U obverse with the distinctive Low Leaves reverse. The latter is significant for, since it was also used to strike Proof 1858 Small Letters Flying Eagle cents of the Snow-PR2 variety, it suggests that Proof 1856 Snow-4 coins were struck at the same time, or in other words during 1858. Given the rarity of this die marriage -- Rick Snow (The Flying Eagle & Indian Cent Attribution Guide, 3rd Edition, Volume 1: 1856-1877, 2014) has traced only 10 specimens -- it is likely that this is one of the earlier restrikes of the Proof 1856 that the Mint prepared for Congressional leaders and others in government posts. The elusiveness of examples in today's market is such that this is the first example of the Snow-4 die pairing that we have offered since 2013. Clearly an important find and fleeting bidding opportunity for the advanced Flying Eagle cent enthusiast. Provenance: From the William J. Naddeo Collection. PCGS# 2037. NGC ID: 227A. Click here for certification details from PCGS.