Counterfeit Detection: 1856 Flying Eagle Cent

NGC - A clumsy '6' shows this isn't one of America's great numismatic rarities.

Replacing the much bulkier copper coins that preceded it, the Flying Eagle cent series shrunk the lowly denomination to the diameter still used for its successors today. Flying Eagle cents struck for circulation are dated either 1857 or 1858 and can be bought in low Mint State for several hundred dollars today. However, to collect a coin from each year of the short series, collectors need an 1856, which was minted only in Proof.

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Genuine 1856 Flying Eagle Cent

Between the originals struck for Congress and the later restrikes, only a few thousand examples of the 1856 Flying Eagle cent were minted. This relative scarcity, along with intense collector interest, means they aren't cheap: It is difficult to acquire an undamaged example today at auction for less than $10,000. NGC recently received a submission that included a purported example of this coin.


Counterfeit 1856 Flying Eagle Cent

Notice on the obverse how weak the 'ME' in AMERICA is, a strong indication this coin did not originate at the US Mint. Similarly, on the reverse, there is a void in the field above the 'N' — another indication this coin was created with nefarious intentions.


Close-ups of genuine (left) and counterfeit

NGC often encounters "altered date" counterfeits, in which a forger moved metal around to make a single genuine coin look like it has a much more valuable date. However, the weakness of the 'ME' points to this date being changed on the die or cast itself, something that would have allowed multiple fakes to be manufactured. The wobbly shape of the fake '6' shows the level of skill involved here is not at an elite level.

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