1858 Small Letters Flying Eagle Cent - Can You Identify The Variety?

My WAG on grade is PR63-64. No clue on the variety.

That's a beauty of a coin.

To me it looks like an 1858 Small Letters proof, high leaves, PR1 REV. T1-A (late die state of PR1, polished leaf).

I'm not very well versed in the proof FEC's just yet but I feel that's a pretty good stab at it.

Gorgeous coin, do you own it? I put it at PR65+. Such an amazing color and incredible fields from the images provided. Some light scratches in the field on the obverse that I think would hold it from a 66.

-CH27

As far as I know, this is exclusively a proof die. I referenced my 2001 edition of the Flying Eagle cent attribution guide so the data may not be as accurate now, but that book states that this is struck as a proof. If you have the current guide then you may want to check that.

-CH27

Hi sorry.....Was traveling for work and kinda forgot about this!

PCGS PR64+ with a CAC sticker. I think it looks better than the PR65 CAC that sold last nigh on Heritage for $26K!

That's really a beauty and so few out there. I agree it looks like PR1 REV T1-A. IMO, it's a proof. It's also got (as you mentioned) the markers listed in the guide, including that doubled S of STATES and polished high leaf which is standout to me.

I'm an advocate for crossing to PCGS, however that would unfortunately be at the cost of losing the CAC sticker. You could always resubmit it to CAC but no guarantee you'll get another sticker. Not sure if the sticker is worth the gamble to you if you get a PF designation instead of an MS. It probably would be to me to have a proof designation over a CAC sticker. I'm guessing you already know all of this.

Another thing with the cross is that PCGS won't attribute this variety. You'll need to submit it to Rick Snow for photo sealing and he can attribute the variety and include a sticker on the label listing the variety. I'm sure you already know this as well given your history with pieces like this and with Rick.

Overall, I vote for crossing to PCGS and then sending into Rick Snow for sealing and variety attribution. I think this has a great chance to cross at PF65+ and come back from Rick attributed as the high leaf PF variety.

I'm always happy to see some love being given to such an awesome series of coins, especially when the examples you have been sharing have been exceptional pieces. Love them! Again, this is a real beauty!

-CH27

Sounds great! If you would kindly update this thread as it moves along through grading and to Rick I would love to see how it turns out. I agree, phenomenal addition whether it grades PF or MS. I've got a good feeling it will be PF.

I'm rooting for you! Again, seriously amazing coin and so rare. Very few collectors ever get the chance to own such a beautiful and rare piece.

I wonder if sending it to Rick Snow first and getting a written confirmation/opinion of his agreement with a PF designation will help sway PCGS in the same direction?

-CH27