1856

This is a identification chart for the dies that struck the 1856 Flying Eagle cents. The links will take you to the variety information.

Obverse Dies. At least 11 obverse dies were made in 1856. Only 5 had the 1856 date put on. The other 6 are found with 1857 dates.

Reverse dies. 6 reverse dies are known. 3 are die-linked to later issues.

1856 Rev. A 1856 Rev B 1856 Rev D. 1857 Rev B. 1858 T3-A 1858 T2-I

Tilted ONE CENT High Leaves Center Dot High Leaves Low Leaves Low Leaves

Obv. 1 Repunched 5. 1856 S1 1856 S3 1856 S10

Obv. 2 Pointed U. 1856 S5 1856 S2 1856 S4

Obv. 3 Repunched 1. 1856 S6

Obv. 4 Heavy Date. 1856 S7

Obv. 5 Die Line at I. 1856 S8 1856 S9

This is the emission sequence based on the die states:

1856 Strikes

1856 S1 12 known. Proofs.

1856 S3 About 650 struck. MS Struck after S1

1856 S5 About 25 struck. Proof.

1856 S8 Proof. Belived struck after S3. None seen lately.

1857 Strikes.

1856 S2 About 25 struck. Proof. Struck after S5 using a 1857 reverse die.

1858 Strikes.

1856 S4 About 25 pieces struck. Proof. Struck after S2 using a 1858 reverse die

1856 S6 Not seen lately.

1856 S7 Not seen lately.

1856 S9 about 1500 struck. Proofs. Struck after S8. 1858 is the year 1856's began to be sold to the public. It is believed that this die pair was struck for that purpose.

1856 S10 Unique. Proof. Struck after S3 using a 1858 reverse die.

Associated Patterns

1856 PT1 Obverse 2, Ornamented Wreath reverse.

1858 PT1 No Date legend. Reverse 1856 D.

1856 Bronze, J-182 do not exist.

1856 Copper, J-181

examples traced:

S1: PR64BN PCGS (image below) Heritage 8/06:5798 (as PR63BN); EERC; ; Heritage 4/16:4890;

S3: PR64BN PCGS (image below) EERC (2016); Gengh E.

S5: PR65BN PCGS (image below) Heritage 8/10:3702;

S5: PR64RB PCGS Heritage 9/03:8660;; Heritage 1/16:5735;

S5 PR64BN PCGS (was J-182)

S5: PR62BN PCGS (was J-182) Stacks-Bowers 11/13:2154;

S5: PR50 ANACS

S5: VF ANACS (unattributed on holder)

S9: PR-63RB PCGS. Stack-Bowers 11/11:9065; EERC; Gengh E.

All the dies had proof finish to begin with.

The 1856 S3 is a mint state die pairing based on the strike, not so much the finish on the dies. Early die state pieces and late die state pieces (die polish line under date) are prooflike.

The 1856 S9 is a proof based on the strike. These sometimes come with defective planchets. Numerous die states are recorded - late ones with die cracks.