1856 Flying Eagle Cent. Snow-9. Proof-62 (PCGS). CMQ.

A pleasing example for the assigned grade and a desirable representative of this historic, key date small cent issue. Both sides exhibit razor sharp striking detail that allows full appreciation of this classic design. There is a tinge of pale olive to otherwise sandy-tan surfaces, the appearance unnaturally bright to explain the Proof-62 grade from PCGS, but both sides free of sizable marks. Snow-9 is the most frequently encountered die marriage of this issue, accounting for the vast majority of Proofs struck for collectors from 1856-dated dies circa 1859. The exact striking period for these coins is unknown, and production may have begun as early as 1858, and likely continued into 1860. We also do not know how many 1856 Flying Eagle cents were prepared during this later striking period. The coins were not part of a regular issue and the mintage was not reported by Mint personnel. Most of the coins that Director Snowden began selling to collectors in 1859 were struck in Proof format and the number extant suggests a mintage on the order of 1,500 pieces.

PCGS# 2037. NGC ID: 227A.

From the John Henry Leh Collection, assembled beginning in the 1950s.

Estimate: $13000