Skip to product information
1 of 4

1858 1C SMALL LETTERS PR65 PCGS CAC EEPS

1858 1C SMALL LETTERS PR65 PCGS CAC EEPS

PCGS


Coming Soon. Sept 1. Sign Up For First Shot
This exceptional 1858 Flying Eagle Cent Small Letters stands as a true Gem Proof from an estimated 120 minted. This specimen radiates with golden-apricot reflectivity and sharply struck, satiny devices, blending softly mirrored fields with frosted design elements—hallmarks of premium early Mint craftsmanship. The surfaces remain remarkably well-preserved, with only trivial contact marks and light, grade-appropriate flecking that attest to its originality and careful handling over time. Distinguished by its Small Letters reverse, identifiable by the noticeable separation between the bases of the "AM" in "AMERICA" and lower relief across the entire design, this variant represents an important die modification likely executed by Assistant Engraver Anthony C. Paquet, whose lettering style aligns with that seen on the 1859 Snowden Mint medal. Despite its critical role in the evolution of the Flying Eagle series, the Proof 1858 Small Letters issue has long been overshadowed by the more widely publicized 1856 Proof cents—though considerably rarer both in absolute numbers and in high-grade preservation. With fewer than 60 examples believed to survive across all grades today, making this offering an elusive prize for advanced numismatists. This particular piece is believed to have originated as part of the Mint's limited production of 12-piece Proof pattern sets issued in 1858, with roughly 75 to 100 sets struck, underscoring its role in the transitional narrative between pattern experimentation and official proof coinage. Both Snow and Q. David Bowers suggest that the Small Letters reverse may have been initially developed as a pattern, later approved for limited proof production following successful testing and acceptance. The aesthetic appeal of this piece is equally compelling, with the obverse glowing in buttery-gold and pale copper tones, enriched by bronze-gold and honey-tan along the periphery, and accented by subtle peach and apricot iridescence under light rotation. The reverse continues the harmony of color with a pale golden-tan field, layered with soft copper-gold and russet highlights, and a delicate halo of bronze-tan and honey-brown framing the denticles. Both sides display a semi-satiny reflectivity that enhances the visual depth with some proof-like qualities, while the devices rise crisply from the fields, showcasing razor-sharp articulation. Market appearances for this rarity remain few and far between, particularly at this Gem Proof level.PCGS Graded, CAC Approved & Eagle Eye Photo Sealed.

Pedigree:

Screaming Eagles

Ex Bob Travis

PCGS Cert Verification #58619546

• PCGS Price Guide - $35,000
• PCGS POP - 10/4
• CAC Price Guide - $31,500
• CAC POP - 5/3
• PCGS Coin# - 2043

Paradime Coins collects Sales Tax when applicable. Please read our Terms & Conditions page for more information.

View full details