FE and Copper folks, guidance please?

ursabear

Folks,

Before my collecting days end (not too soon, I hope ), I would like to own one MS Flying Eagle.

I know that I like them, and I know that when I see one if it fits my likes and dislikes very quickly.

The questions are this:
I want to make an educated decision before I plunk down 4 digits on a single coin (we're talking about major saving up, here). What is a good book or article that can tell me what to shoot for or what to understand so I can buy one at a price that is reasonable to the coin.
What year/variety is a good one that doesn't have an ultra-premium (like a '56 proof).
I don't usually think of the coins in my personal collection as investments, but I would like to make a well-balanced decision.

Your thoughts?

Dahlonega

Buy a super slider PCGS 58 with great eye appeal or a 64 with eye appeal - think a 1858 LL will be a good date. The eye appeal will always be there the grading number fluctuates and 65's may mean much less in years to come. Seems like its always easier to sell attractive coins and you tend to recover the extra you had to pay initially. Just my opinion.

goose3

Rick Snow has a great book on FE's but it focuses mainly on the varieties.

the 1857, 1858 small letters, 1858 large letters are the "common" dates for the series.

ursabear

Great answers. I'll probably look into the Snow book. I've been perusing my red books.

Thanks for the notes, too.

Elcontador

As indicated above, anything but the 1856 is considered to be a type coin. These coins are plentiful and relatively inexpensive in grades through MS 63. You'll see four digits when you get into MS 64. Michael, Shylock and Goose have spent some serious time looking at FE Cents. Perhaps one of them will chime in on this.

Take your time in buying one, though, unless you want a specialist to hand-pick one for you. Most of the high end FE cents I've seen (the guys listed above have seen more of them than I have) have not looked attractive for the grade.

Lakesammman

For a beginner I might also recommend the Bowers book....prices/populations are outdated now but the general info. is timeless.

There is no real difference between the 1857/58's for a general collector - look for a honey-colored coin with eye appeal - many are dark and streaky....the recommendation of Dahlonega re: grade is a good one.

Pushkin

Larry R. Steve and Kevin J. Flynn's book "Flying Eagle and Indian Cent Die Varieties" has some very nice picture of FEs. Its worth taking a look at, even though it, like Snow's book, focuses on varieties. I wouldn't buy it just for your purposes, but its worth browsing through.

You can always go to Rick Snows website Eagle_Eye and look at his coins. The MSs are often higer grade MSs, but still nice to look at.