Flying Eagle Cent (1856-1858)

The Flying Eagle Cent was minted between 1856-1858. The design didn't last for long.

Designer: James B. Longacre

Composition: .880 Copper, .120 Nickel

History
In the 1850s, the Large Cents were becoming unpopular. The coinage act, passed on February 21, 1857, said to stop the Half Cent, and create a new coin, the Small Cent, instead of the Large Cent. The Flying Eagle Cent was released to the public on May 25, 1857. Two years later, in 1859, the Mint changed the design to the Indian Head.



Resources
Coin Community Family (Information)

PCGS Photograde (Images)