In early 2025, a rare 1858 Flying Eagle Cent (Large Letters) was unearthed during barn foundation repairs on a historic Pennsylvania property.
Expert evaluation confirmed the find as a near-gem uncirculated example, graded NGC MS65. After certification, the coin fetched an astounding $105,000 at a specialist auction—underscoring the enduring allure of this early U.S. small-cent and its storied origins.
Why the 1858 Flying Eagle Cent Matters
- First small-cent era: The Flying Eagle cent (1856–1858) was America’s first transition from oversized cents, weighing 4.67 g and composed of 88 % copper / 12 % nickel.
- Brief mint run: Only two circulation years (1857–1858) plus limited-pattern issues make it historically and numismatically significant.
- Design by Longacre: Featuring a soaring eagle on the obverse and a fruit-laden wreath on the reverse—a shared heritage with the later Indian Head cent.
Distinguishing Varieties: Large Letters vs. Small Letters
During 1858, two reverse lettering styles were struck:
- Large Letters: tight “AMERICA” spacing, letters nearly touching.
- Small Letters: increased spacing preferred later to aid strike quality.
The barn-found coin is the Large Letters variant, which is rarer and the most sought-after.
Auction History & Market Statements
| Grade (NGC) | Auction Record | Price Achieved |
|---|---|---|
| MS67 Large Letters | PCGS | $40,250 (2003) |
| MS65+ Overdate 1858/7 | NGC | $74,025 (2014) |
| MS65 Large Letters | NGC (Barn find) | $105,000 (2025) |
Recent discovery aligns with record-setting auction results, bringing Large Letters valuations into the six-figure range.
Coin Attributes & Collectibility
- Large Letters rarity: These reverse dies were used briefly before shifting to Small Letters, making survivors scarce.
- Strike quality issues: Hard copper-nickel alloy often resulted in weak strikes; a strong MS65 reflect both rare die quality and elite condition.
- Provenance adds value: The barn-founding backstory enhances historical intrigue and appeals in high-end auctions.
1858 Flying Eagle Cent Value Ranges
| Variety | MS60 Value | MS65+ Value |
|---|---|---|
| Large Letters | $20,000–$40,000 | $40,000–$105,000+ |
| Small Letters | $10,000–$25,000 | $25,000–$60,000+ |
| 1858/7 Overdate (Strong) | Rare, $74,000+ at MS65+ | $74,000–$100,000+ |
| 1856 Proof | $156,000 (PL66) | $150,000–$312,000+ |
Why the Barn Coin Sold for $105,000
- Rarity & Condition
A Large Letters MS65+ example is extremely rare—most examples are lower-grade. - Historical Rediscovery
Found in situ after 167 years in a barn, it has engaging story value. - Certification Trust
NGC grading ensures buyers trust the coin’s authenticity and state. - Collector Demand
Demand for top-tier type set coins continues to rise, especially for early small cents.
How to Spot an 1858 Large Letters Find
- Examine “AMERICA”: Letters almost touch in Large Letters variety.
- Use a loupe under 10× magnification to check detail sharpness.
- Check for wear: MS65+ coins show innate mint brilliance with minimal handling.
- Ensure certification: NGC or PCGS slabs significantly increase legitimacy and resale value.
Preservation & Display Tips
- Proper storage: Use inert coin holders or capsules to prevent environmental damage.
- Avoid cleaning: Cleaning drastically reduces coin value; bank-grade toners are welcome.
- Protect provenance: Maintain documentation of discovery and grading—key for future sales.
The 1858 Flying Eagle Cent Large Letters (NGC MS65+), discovered in an old barn foundation and sold for $105,000, highlights the powerful combination of rarity, condition, and story in numismatics.
As America’s first small-cent with a brief circulation window, this coin represents a pinnacle of early U.S. collecting and a shining example of hidden treasure waiting to be found.
FAQs
Q1: What differentiates Large Letters from Small Letters in 1858 cents?
Large Letters feature tight spacing in “AMERICA,” while Small Letters display noticeably more separation.
Q2: Why are high-grade Flying Eagles rare?
The copper-nickel alloy was hard to strike, leading to die wear and weak impressions—high-grade uncirculated examples are scarce.
Q3: Could barn finds like this happen again?
Absolutely. Primitive storage of historic coins means rare finds can still emerge—especially in old rural structures or family heirlooms.