Flying Eagle Cents

The Flying Eagle Cent holds a special place in American coin history as the first small-size cent issued by the United States Mint. Produced for only a short time in the late 1850s, this series marked a major shift away from the large cents that had circulated for decades. With its bold flying eagle design and short production run, the Flying Eagle Cent remains one of the most recognizable and collected early U.S. coin series.


Collectors are drawn to Flying Eagle Cents for their historic importance, classic design, and status as a key transition in American coinage. Even with only a few regular issues in the series, these coins are widely respected and often serve as an important addition to type sets, early copper collections, and advanced U.S. coin collections.


Coin Nerds will be adding Flying Eagle Cent inventory in the future. As new coins become available, this page will begin featuring individual listings and collector-friendly additions for those looking to add this short-lived but important series to their collection.



What to Expect



As inventory is added, this section may include:


  • individual Flying Eagle Cents
  • collector-focused examples with clear date and condition identification
  • historic U.S. cent offerings that fit both beginner and advanced collections
  • future educational content related to the Flying Eagle series




Why Collect Flying Eagle Cents?



Flying Eagle Cents are popular because they represent a true turning point in U.S. coinage. Their introduction signaled the move to the smaller cent format that would eventually continue with the Indian Head Cent and, later, the Lincoln Cent. Their short series length also makes them especially appealing to collectors who enjoy historically significant coins with a manageable number of major issues.


For many collectors, Flying Eagle Cents offer a combination of scarcity, history, and eye appeal that makes them stand out among 19th-century U.S. coins. Whether collected as a single type coin or as part of a broader early small cent collection, they remain one of the most respected classic cent series.



Explore More from Coin Nerds



While Flying Eagle Cent inventory is still being added, you can continue exploring the site through the links below:


  • Shop Pennies
  • Coin Vault
  • History of U.S. Pennies
  • Coin Glossary