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1857 Flying Eagle cent value guide -- the first true circulation year, mintage, and grade-by-grade prices.
First year the Flying Eagle cent was struck in large quantity for general circulation, following the Act of February 21, 1857, which formally authorized the small-diameter cent and ended the large copper cent.
New 1857 cents were distributed to the public through a special exchange booth set up in the Philadelphia Mint yard, packaged in $5 face-value cloth bags, as part of a campaign to redeem old large cents.
Live listings matching the 1857 Flying Eagle Cent
Other dates and varieties in this series
Condition drives price more than any other factor on a coin like this — two examples of the same date can be worth very different amounts depending on wear and authentication.
The value table above is organized by grade for a reason — a coin's condition, not just its date, sets where it lands on that range. If you're not sure how to grade, a seller's photos and description should call it out.
A professionally graded (PCGS/NGC) example carries more certainty than a raw coin, and usually a small premium for it. Both are fine to buy — just factor grading into the price you're comparing.
Prices vary between individual sellers here, not one retailer's price list. Sort by price, check the seller's Metal Points and order history, and message the seller if photos don't show enough detail to grade confidently.
About the 1857 Flying Eagle Cent
Value depends heavily on condition. A well-worn example brings closer to $38, while an uncirculated one can reach $1,295 or more.
First year the Flying Eagle cent was struck in large quantity for general circulation, following the Act of February 21, 1857, which formally authorized the small-diameter cent and ended the large copper cent.
For anything you believe is a key date or an error, professional grading protects both buyer and seller by settling condition and authenticity before money changes hands.
List it free on PeerMetals — flat 2.75% seller fee, zero listing fees, 1–3 day payouts.
