Produced for the public only in 1857 and 1858, with a few pattern pieces minted in 1856, the Flying Eagle Cent used a copper and nickel alloy and portrayed an eagle in flight that was admired for its artistry and for its portrayal of an animal from nature rather than adapting a portrait from heraldry. The reverse uses a wreath composed of wheat, corn, tobacco and cotton or maple leaves, associating it with northern and southern agriculture. The coin proved difficult to mint, however, from the hardness of the alloy and placement of the designs. After a few attempts at modifying it, the coin was replaced by the Indian head penny in 1859.

This has nice detail and would make a good addition to a display of personal effects of a Civil War soldier. For finer grading of condition please see out photographs.  [sr] [ph:L]

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