1856 Flying Eagle Cent. Snow-9. Proof-65 (PCGS).
A boldly toned, beautiful example of the historic and perennially popular 1856 Flying Eagle cent. Both sides are dressed in a blend of dominant olive-brown patina and original mint orange color, the latter most pronounced around the obverse periphery. At direct lighting angles the surfaces light up with more vivid cobalt blue iridescence that further enhances the eye appeal. The strike is razor sharp from the rims to the centers, and the surfaces are as smooth as would be expected for the assigned grade. An impressive Gem that will be just perfect for a highly regarded collection. Snow-9 is the most frequently encountered die marriage of this classic 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. Among the survivors few grade finer than Proof-64, identifying the offered specimen as a significant condition rarity.
PCGS# 2037. NGC ID: 227A.
PCGS Population: 58; 13 finer in this category (Proof-67+ finest).

Estimate: $30000