1856 Flying Eagle Cent. Snow-3. Repunched 5, High Leaves. Proof-55 (PCGS). CAC.
An attractive and original specimen showing just the faintest traces of handling and no significant blemishes on either side. Satiny mint luster remains in some of the more protected areas, the fields faintly prooflike. The patina is dominant medium tan with flashes of underlying pinkish-apricot evident as the coin dips into a light. Sharply defined and nicely centered. Following the production of small-diameter patterns since 1850, by 1856 the desire to create a new format cent for circulation was at its height. The Mint in Philadelphia struck close to 1,000 examples of James B. Longacre's Flying Eagle design type for distribution to important individuals. Specialist Rick Snow suggests that the Snow-3 variety offered here "makes up most or all of the 634 specimens originally distributed to Congress to help promote passage of the pending coinage bill." The presence of an 1856 Flying Eagle cent in one's collection announces that a major milestone has been accomplished, and this piece is among the most historically significant of survivors.
PCGS# 47058.

Estimate: $10000