It was a time of great exploration for the US mint during Flying Eagle Cent era. The change-over from the large cent was like giving an artist a blank canvas and a full spectrum of colors. And Chief Engraver James P. Longacre seized the moment by producing some of the most brilliant numismatic pieces known to the world today.
With experimentation comes many changes, trials, and errors. Most of these experiments and design changes happen behind closed doors at the mint prior to a coin’s mintage. However, the introduction of the small cent proved challenging and improvements were made throughout the series, often in the midst of a production run. Slight design changes were often made mid-year, which provides collectors an exciting opportunity to acquire different designs of their favorite coins.
Hub Designs of the Flying Eagle Cent Series
- 1857 Obverse of 1856
- 1857 Obverse of 1857
- 1858 Large Letters
- 1858 Small Letters
- 1858 High Leafs, Open E
- 1858 Low Leafs, Open E
- 1858 High Leafs, Close E
- 1858 Low Leafs, Close E
1857 Obverse of 1856
1857 Obverse of 1857
1858 Large Letters
1858 Small Letters
1858 High Leafs, Open E Reverse
1858 High Leafs, Close E Reverse
1858 Low Leafs, Open E Reverse
1858 Low Leafs, Close E Reverse