Coin collectors love a good minting mistake — and if you’ve got a Flying Eagle penny from the 1850s, you may be sitting on a small fortune. One rare variation of this already scarce coin could fetch you upwards of $11,000, depending on condition.
What Is This Coin?
The 1858 Flying Eagle Cent was part of a short-lived series minted from 1856 to 1858 before being replaced by the Indian Head penny.
- Type: Flying Eagle Cent
- Year: 1858
- Metal Composition: 88% Copper, 12% Nickel
- Weight: 4.67 grams
- Diameter: 19 mm
- Mint Location: Philadelphia (no mint mark)
Why Is It Valuable?
This isn’t just any 1858 penny — it’s the rare 8 Over 7 Variety, a die error where the number “8” was engraved over a previously punched “7.” That’s not the only error either:
- Engraving Flaw on the Eagle’s Wing – Part of the wing appears cut off.
- “8 Over 7” Date Error – A visible “7” beneath the second “8”.
- Die Chip Above the Date – A small blob-like flaw caused by a damaged die.
Combined, these flaws make this coin extremely collectible.
- Circulated Value: $100–$300
- Uncirculated (MS-60 or higher): $4,000–$8,000
- Top Auction Sale: $11,083
How to Spot a Genuine One
✅ Examine the date closely with a magnifier – look for signs of the “7” under the final “8”
✅ Look for that die chip above the date — a small raised bump
✅ Check the eagle’s wing — it should show unusual shortening or flattening
✅ Authentic examples will weigh around 4.67g and have a nickel-silver hue
🧠 Did You Know?
The Flying Eagle was America’s first small cent, replacing the large copper cents that were previously minted. Its intricate design and short production run make it one of the most popular 19th-century coins for collectors.
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