Flying Eagle Penny Dates and Values 2022

How much is my Flying Eagle Penny worth?

Find the most valuable Flying Eagle pennies worth money as well as key dates with our Flying Eagle cent value guide. Use our list to find the estimated worth of your coin. (Scroll down for list)

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The Flying Eagle penny is the first small cent minted for circulation.  Previously, one cent coins were larger than a quarter and made of copper.  But as the value of the penny went down, the large cent became less and less popular, in flew the small-size Flying Eagle to replace the large cent!

These coins were first struck as a pattern coin in 1856, and it's estimated about 1,800 coins were struck with the 1856 date.  It's possible that some of these were struck later as presentation pieces, rather than actually being struck in 1856.

The Flying Eagle cent was designed by Chief Engraver James B. Longacre, and the obverse of the coin (the front side with the flying eagle) was based off of the Gobrecht dollar.

The reverse of the coin features an agricultural wreath made up of wheat, corn, cotton, and tobacco; all major exports of both the north and the south at the time.

Unfortunately, the coins did not strike well and were only struck for two years before they were replaced by the Indian Head cent in 1859. 



The 5 Most Valuable Flying Eagle Pennies (cents)

These numbers are based on coins in MS60 Condition or better.

1. 1856: $18,000 - $24,000
2. 1858 8 Over 7: $3,500 - $10,500
3. 1857: $400 - $1,000
4. 1858 Large Letters: $400 - $1,000
5. 1858 Small Letters: $400 - $1,000