Flying Eagle Cent without Date

[jgospoda]

Hi and thanks for reading! I wasn't sure where to post this, so I thought this forum area might be best. I have an old flying eagle 1 Cent coin, but....it does not have a viewable date. I can make part of a number, but I am clueless at how to value it. As you may know, they only made these for three years and the first year versions are worth thousands. Do you have any idea how I can learn more about what I have....or, do I simply estimate the grade and assume it is a lower value year?

Thanks for any ideas or input.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Diving for Pleasure and Treasure - Grab it through Amazon!

[Beepbeep13]

Have you tried to use a jewler's loupe on the date?

I just ordered one for myself - I have found with some of my finds I WISH I had a magnifier....I'm not trying to find flaws in a stone, so a $5 one with free shipping off Ebay will suffice!

Good luck and HH

 

[jgospoda]

Thanks, yes, I have two loupes and can make what appears to be a five or an eight, but thats it. It's impossible for me to see. I used some other lighting too and no luck. Hmmmm

 

[unclemac]

1856 was a pattern year so yours is not that date. if you think you can see an 8 as opposed to a 7 then that clears it up....try getting it slightly wet and looking at it obliquely....sort of sideways.....try to catch the light with the dampness.

 

[jgospoda]

Here are some things I found just now....

1856


est. 750


est. 1,500


Although believed to be a Pattern, this rare issue is known in both Proof and non-Proof formats.

There are two popular major varieties of the 1858 Flying Eagle Cent often collected alongside the 1856 and 1857 coins to complete a set. In fact, there are other minor varieties, but these are for the specialist. The two major varieties, Large Letters and Small Letters, are reasonably easy to identify. The difference in the lettering in the AM of AMERICA is obvious. As in 1857, there are Proof and business strikes of the date to be collected. There is also an important 1858/7 overdate rarity only discovered in recent years. This overdate is believed to be a refurbished 1857 die with the 8 added later.

 

[duggap]

https://www.google.com/search?q=fly...XGqansQTsn4HQDA&ved=0CFkQsAQ&biw=1024&bih=624
Check this site, it may help you id which one you have. I think I will check out the one I found also.

 

[bulrush]

For the loupe, a 40x was way too powerful for me. Try 10x or 20x.