1856 1C Flying Eagle S-3 MS66 认证号55440006, PCGS号391479

1856 1C MS66 PCGS EEPS Snow-3 Die Stage A. This was the first coin to get an Eagle Eye Photo Seal (EEPS) - for previous cert # 9949371. Amazing eye appeal! The cert photo doesn't quite capture its beauty. Ex: Joseph P. Gorrell Collection & Greensboro Collection. One of only two Snow-3s graded MS66 and tied for finest (3rd MS66 is actually a Snow-5, which sold for $315,000 in a private sale in 2024). Though the record auction price of $343,125 was set by the other MS66 Snow-3 (PCGS 81467176 - Great Collections - Nov 12, 2023 - GC Item ID: 1456023) the Snow-3 here was acquired for just over half that price: $192,000 (Heritage - Nov 21, 2024 - lot #3624), most likely because all other potential buyers were saving their money for a PR67+ 1856 Snow-3 that was auctioned later that same day. Over 20 years earlier, the coin here sold for $172,500 (Heritage - Jan 7, 2024 - lot #2010), which with inflation would be $288,000 at the time I acquired it for only $192,000. The Snow-3s (along with Snow-1s) are the 1856 Flying Eagles of the Original Striking that were provided to US Congress, the US President, and other VIPs to influence the passage of the Small Cent Act of 1857. Not counting copper die trials, the very rare Snow-1s (Proofs) were the first coins struck, during this Original Striking Period. Then, the "Bluebird" (38725098 - PR66 PCGS CAC), the only Snow-3 everyone agrees is a Proof was struck, before the MS Snow-3s ("Bluebird" has die stage A), including this coin, were struck. With the exception of the "Bluebird" (38725098 - PR66 PCGS CAC) all other Snow-3s exhibit some weakness of strike, typically on the Eagle breast feathers or the reverse leaves. In this particular case, there is obvious weakness on the Eagle breast feathers, which is most obvious when compared with the "Bluebird". Such weakness of strike demonstrates this coin is an MS.

Jaime Hernandez

By 1854, the Mint was spending more money to produce the Large cent coin than its actual face value.

Alternatively, the Mint began experimenting by producing 1854, 1855 and 1856 pattern cents, (View Coin # 11674, 11709 and 11792). The Mint also produced several varieties for 1856 Flying Eagle cents. One of the most desirable varieties is the Snow-3 variety.

The 1856 Flying Eagle cent with the Snow-3 variety, is believed to be the first coins that were originally struck and handed out to government officials. This variety can be distinguished because of the repunched 5 on the date.

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Ron Guth

According to Rick Snow, noted Flying Eagle and Indian Head Cent expert, "One of the main points that show that the Snow-3 is a business strike is that many show strike-doubling. You will find that this happens on the steam press, but not on the screw press that the Proofs were struck on. Many of the Proofs are terribly made, granted, but a high Proof mintage (1500 - S9's) will have quality issues."