Opportunity knocks, I need information before I open the door.

SanctionII

Help is needed in the form of information on Flying Eagle Cents.

I have an opportunity to acquire an 1857 Flying Eagle Cent for my type set. I am not familiar with these coins and hope that I can receive a quick education from forum members so that I can make an informed buying decision. The dealer picked it up a few days ago and has it on hold for me.

The coin is raw. It has a nice mellow color to it. I looked at it closely through a loupe under good lighting. It has no distracting marks. It has eye appeal, however, the strike does not appear to be sharp. Certain areas of the devices on the coin look flat. This could be from inadequate striking pressure, a worn die, or (HORRORS) rub from being lightly circulated. I can not tell. The dealer says he is not sure if rub is present or not and has decided to sell it as an AU-58. I am tempted to pull the trigger, especially since it is possible that the coin lacks rub and is MS (thus a cherry waiting to be picked by me). In any event it would look much better in my type set album than the current VG example.

Does anyone have experience with Flying Eagle Cents who could give an opinion regarding how one can determine if rub is present or if the coin simply has a weak strike. Opinions on color, eye appeal, marks, etc. on these coins would also be appreciated. Thanks in advance. SanctionII.

goose3

that's a TOUGH one to say without a picture.

will he give you a return period on the coin so you can post some pics?


they are known for not being fully struck because the alloy was so hard.

lordmarcovan

While I've never owned a Flying Eagle cent better than PCGS XF45, I've seen plenty, and can tell you that weak strikes are certainly not uncommon. If the dealer is selling it as an AU58 then that sounds good, if you like the eye appeal and the price is right. Worst case scenario? You get a helluva nice upgrade. Best case scenario? You score a good cherrypick. And you want it for an album rather than potential slabbing, right, so if you overlook a light old dip/cleaning or something, it isn't the end of the world.

Tough to say without seeing a picture, but it sounds interesting. You ARE being offered the coin at AU money or less, yes?

SanctionII

Lordmarcovan, the coins is being offered at AU money. I see little downside and possibly a good upside.

SanctionII

Update time.

I am pulling the trigger and in about an hour will pick up my new 1857 Flying Eagle Cent. My purchase price will be AU money and hopefully the coin will be MS.

Even if it not MS, the coin will look "MUY BUENO Y MUY CALIENTE" in my Type Set. thanks to those who replied to my original post. SanctionII.

airplanenut

$5 says it looks nicer than my corrded VG

mgoodm3

I guess it depends on what you're after. Is you want MS, I'd wait for a fully struck one.

Barry

In my limited experience looking for a FE for my Type Set, I found the 1858's to be more attractive and better struck for the grade than the 57's.