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 Replies: 14 / Views: 1,927 |
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Valued Member
United States
236 Posts |
I need help with figuring out the variety of this Flying Eagle cent. I first thought it was a Snow-2, but now am inclined to believe it is a Snow-3. These are the key attributes: Proof-like XF (damaged) Obv: -completely open 6 in the date -left base of the 1 in the date is between the denticles -does NOT have the pointed base of the you in UNITED -5 in date may be repunched, but since it is slabbed and has dirt fill in it I cant tell for sure Rev: -high leaves (left and right) -completely closed E in ONE -open E in CENT The Closed E gives me problems. I have seen examples of S2 & S3 that have completely closed E and mostly closed E. I am guessing it is due to die wear or polishing. Thanks for any help JD  Edited by jdbooth
05/02/2012 5:53 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7840 Posts |
Here is another 1856 FE. The mint must have been really erroneous on their book keeping. The first thing that caught my eye was the pit in the upper left wing.  The 1856 should be TPG certified under ALL circumstances, and should be considered a copy until proven otherwise. It looks better than mine though.  Here is another thread, same subject; https://goccf.com/t/111736Here is an authentic example from PCGS;  Edited by oih82w8
05/02/2012 7:40 pm
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Valued Member
 United States
236 Posts |
Mine is certified genuine by PCGS, but I do not know which variety it is. PCGS labeled it a proof and authentic, but from what I have read they label all 1856 FE's as proofs.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7840 Posts |
Ok, send it in to ANACS (or back to PCGS) who specializes in attribution, of course there is a fee that goes along with it. Others with more experience with this rarity should chime in.  You could reference "The Flying Eagle & Indian cent Attribution Guide" by Richard E Snow. Curious, what condition code did PCGS give it? How about an image of the whole slab? Edited by oih82w8
05/02/2012 11:15 pm
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Valued Member
United States
236 Posts |
It is a 98 (Surface Damage.)  |
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Rest in Peace
United States
4849 Posts |
Here is my example. It is an S-9, main diagnostic being a small centering "dot" on the reverse below the upper serrif on the "N" in "ONE".   I know how you feel waiting for that coin to arrive with all the money you have in it. I was nervous, especially since it came 1 week late. To add! Major congrats on purchase such a monumental key!! |
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Valued Member
United States
236 Posts |
Thanks Johnny! That S-9 is a nice looking coin. It is a pity that we put so much emphasis on pristine coins. A coin with some wear on it is a coin with character. I bet you paid a pretty penny for it! Pun intended. When I purchased my examples of 1857 and 58 FE's they both turned out to be rarer varieties. The 57 has an obverse of an 1856 and is being verified with PCGS now and the 58 is an 8 over 7 I bought from a coworker. So when I acquired this 1856 I had hoped it was an S-2, but a "common" 56 is just fine with me as even the most common one is still rare, right? Somewhere online I read that the S-9 is considered scarcer than the S-2. I don't know how true that is as the best reference I have is the 1992 edition of Flying Eagle & Indian cents. I will have to get the latest edition and research it more. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Myself, I wouldn't care which type or variety such a rare coin is, I'd just be happy to have a coin with a mintage of only 2,000.
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Rest in Peace
United States
4849 Posts |
Thanks jdbooth. My 1856 is slabbed as PCGS PR-30. I like the circulated look too, as it fits with the rest of my copper cents. The S-9 is actually by far the most common variety, estimated 1500 minted. If you have anything other than an S-9, there should be a mild premium...but it won't make too much difference in a circulated grade. The S-3 is the 2nd most common variety(often considered a business strike, though PCGS changed their policy to call them all proofs), and the S-2 is very scarce. Use this site to help identify: http://indiancent.wikispaces.com/1856The pictures aren't good enough to tell if there is a "dot" underneath the seriff to indicate an S-9....if the 5 looks repunched and there is no "dot", my thought would be an S-3....which is slightly more valuable in circulated grades. I'd say sending it to Rick is the best way to know for sure if you think it is one of the more rare varieties....as he is THE worldwide expert. I'd only do that if you can rule out S-3 or S-9, as those 2 make up over 90% of the population Edited by johnny54321
05/03/2012 11:39 am
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Valued Member
United States
236 Posts |
Thanks for the advice Johnny and everyone who posted a reply. If anyone else would like to add anything, I look forward to hearing from you. Besides I need to get my number of posts higher.
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Valued Member
United States
206 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
716 Posts |
I am certainly not an expert on FE varieties, but after looking at Snow's attribution guide I believe you have an S-3. Since there is no pointed 'U' that rules out S-2. Quoting from Snow on S-3 "High leaves-inner leaf at base of 'C' is well above the base of the letter. Inner leaf at base of 'T' right at the base". That really matches the picture of your coin. Also I don't see a dot under the serif in your coin, but the picture is not real clear. If its not there, that would rule out S-9.
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Valued Member
United States
236 Posts |
I am pretty sure you are right beaglebailey. The only thing now is do I have it reslabbed as a genuine S-3 / Judd-181(I think that is the Judd equivalent?) Is there a premium for the S-3 and is it worth the extra money?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
716 Posts |
Snow gives S-3 a 2 star rating (2x-3x premium). A couple of S-3's sold on Heritage recently: PR45-$9200; X45 cleaned-$8050. No matter what that is one nice coin, and one I will probably never own. I'm still trying to convince my wife that I need to buy the 1909S and 1877 in my goal to complete an IHC collection. |
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Valued Member
United States
236 Posts |
Ok I have a plan: finish off the honeydo list,buy her some flower and candy and maybe a promise or two and you moght get her to bend.
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Replies: 14 / Views: 1,927 |
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Posted 05/02/2012 10:55 pm
