1855 Flying Eagle Cent ... Yes '55 ... A Lowball

That's really awesome! It's great how passionate you are about what you collect! I'm a history buff myself so I appreciate those pieces you find that offer a look at the past. Any classic and even some modern coins for that matter do the same for me. Good luck with your collection!

Hi hesgut - I strongly suspect that this was a pocket piece of sorts that once belonged to some early copper collector in the western NY area; this, from where it came. I thoroughly trust the assessment of Larry Briggs who also networks with other experts. The piece has naught but honest, heavy wear. I had shown it to some knowledgeable copper guys, prior to having it slabbed, too. Thus, I'm as assured as I can be that it's genuine. I do know that the other services you mention have made major mistakes over the years, and I personally don't see how their slabs could provide any added assurance. Larry Briggs has gone the extra mile on various pieces that I've given him. On one piece, a silver Conder token, he ran three specific gravity tests before certifying it. I doubt that the other TPG'ers would have gone to such lengths! Larry tends to take a strong, personal interest in grading and attribution, especially; this, which I admire. His coin inventory is amazing and commensurate with his knowledge.

I tend to like the bizarre, unusual and uncommon pieces that test one's imagination. Such was the allure of this 1855!