1856-1858 Flying Eagles

Hello and welcome to the forum!

Where did you obtain these coins? I am not sure how many 1856s you are depicting as the pics are rather small and dark. However, I strongly believe that the 1856 is probably fake as only a couple thousand were ever minted and are very rare and sought after. The 1856 issue was more of a pattern than a circulating coin as that was the first year of a small-sized cent issue and most were made for presentation purposes. An 1856 in midgrade condition is worth $10,000+. I am not an expert on this particular series, but authentication is mandatory because many altered examples exist.

Forgive me for being presumptuous about the authenticity of the 1856, but I cannot stress enough the rarity of that coin. I do not mean to slight your integrity and I am not accusing you of purposely presenting a fake, but good fakes or alterations of rare coins have fooled even very knowledgeable people.

This is what is known as a "trophy coin"- its lore and rarity are so well known in numismatic circles that it is very prestigious (and expensive) to obtain one. I doubt if anyone on this board can authenticate such a rarity by picture alone, that is something that has to be done in person with a microscopic examination for signs of alteration and distinctive die markers. If you live in a populated area that has mid-large sized coin shows, you should have no problem finding someone to authenticate it.

You have not given any details of your numismatic knowledge, so I will assume it is basic. In the coin industry, companies known as third party graders(TPGs) are independent companies that, for a fee, will authenticate, grade, and place the coin in a protective plastic case or slab. Slabs are useful for sight unseen purchases or for just piece-of-mind about the authenticity and grade of a rarity or key date coin. Larger coin shows will have TPGs present for on-site authentication. Four firms are in the top tier of TPGs and at least one of the four will have a table at larger shows. The four are as follows:

www.pcgs.com
www.ngccoin.com
www.anacs.com
www.icgcoin.com

These sites will have show schedules and fees listed.

Also, you may be able to have it authenticated by a local coin dealer, but keep in mind that most small-time dealers may not be knowledgeable enough to authenticate a coin of this level. DO NOT sell the coin if a dealer makes an offer on it. Odds are, a dealer will pay you much less money for it raw(not in a graded slab) than you would get if it was authenticated and slabbed and then placed for auction. Either way, good luck

Welcome to Coin Community, edlon523. There is no way I can improve upon the accuracy or eloquence of biokemist6's information, so I won't try, but I can add a little to the coin's history.

The total number struck is unknown, and estimated to be at or a little over 1000. The 1856 was more of a pattern than an actual circulation strike; it was a completely unofficial, unauthorized strike ordered by James Snowden, the Director of the Mint, to prove the quality of the new design and metal composition. It's known that at least 634 were given to members of Congress and other important personages. One collector, George Rice, accumulated over 750 of them at one point, many of which came from circulation. Additionally, there were restrikes during 1858 and 1859 using the original dies, impossible to tell from the first strikes.

It is imperative that you have this coin authenticated. Any of the 4 companies biokemist6 listed can be trusted with the job; generally the first two (PCGS and NGC) produce a product of higher value in the marketplace due to perceived value. This coin, if authentic, should probably be in one of their slabs.

There aren't many 1856 Flying Eagles left which have never been in a slab. As such, yours would be an important addition to the current body of knowledge about them. There are varieties, as well; it would be important to determine which Snow variety (named after Rick Snow, who first listed them) this coin is.

I cannot more strongly emphasize the need to have this coin authenticated by one of the major TPG's. If real, in the condition indicated by your scans it's worth five figures.

You guys are the best! I have gotten some great advise and it has made me even more addicted to coins. I never realized the story that the coins could tell. I have been absolutely mesmerized by the history and have enjoyed every minute of it. I am starting to understand the extremes that this collection could take, but even if it turns out that the 1856 is a fake, the incredible joy that my family and I experienced during the "hunt" was almost worth it. Believe me, I want it to end one way more than the other, but none of it has been a negative experience. And, with your advise, I can avoid the pratfalls that would have happened.
I will keep you updated as we start this process and let you guys know what's up. Maybe a blog from the newbie as I navigate the process. Thanks again.

This one, for comparison, is in an NGC slab....

Again, my scans aren't great, but I added the backs on the first post. I will attempt a better scan. From left to right, 1856, 1857, 1858lg, 1858sm. It amazes me that the 1856 scans darker than the rest of the Flying Eagles because it actually has more of a sheen. The 1857 is actually darker and the 1858 large is more gold/blonde. They are very pretty in person. : - )

Can you get a closer picture of the date?