My Exciting New Arrival: The Flying Eagle Cent I Won Last Sunday

I recently treated myself to a late birthday gift—a stunning Flying Eagle cent I won last Sunday—and it just arrived in the mail. The thrill of unboxing a coin like this never gets old, especially when it’s as sharp and vibrant as this one. In this post, I’ll share my experience, some grading insights, practical advice on handling slabbed coins, and why this piece is staying put in its holder.

The Beauty of My New Flying Eagle Cent

When I first held this coin, I was blown away by its pristine surfaces and exceptional detail. It’s an 1857 Flying Eagle cent in a PCGS AU55 holder with a CAC sticker, and the strike is remarkably sharp, with full feather definition on the eagle and clear lettering. The toning adds a warm, attractive color that makes it stand out—even compared to higher-grade examples I’ve seen. In my view, coins like this showcase why the Flying Eagle series is such a gem for collectors; they offer great value in the AU range, often with luster and detail that rival Mint State pieces.

Grading Insights: Is It Undergraded?

After examining it closely, I couldn’t help but wonder if it might be undergraded. Some collectors have pointed out that AU55s can sometimes punch above their weight, and this one has surfaces so clean they’d make many MS coins jealous. Here’s what I’ve learned about grading Flying Eagle cents:

• Look for full detail in the eagle’s feathers and the wreath—this coin has it all, suggesting it could be closer to AU58.
• Color and luster are key indicators; a vibrant, original toning like this often signals higher quality than the grade implies.
• Always compare to population reports; while AU55 is common, coins with CAC approval, like mine, tend to hold a premium for their eye appeal.

Based on this, I agree that it might deserve an upgrade, but grading is subjective, and the current holder adds authenticity that’s hard to beat.

Practical Advice: To Crack or Not to Crack?

I briefly debated cracking it out for a regrade, but after running the numbers, I’m keeping it slabbed. Here’s my cost-benefit analysis for anyone considering a similar move:

• Market values show an AU55 CAC around $415, while a non-CAC AU58 might fetch $455—a difference of about $40-$100.
• Grading fees with PCGS or NGC start at $50 plus shipping, easily eating into that gain.
• The CAC sticker and older holder add a collectible premium that could be lost if regraded, making the net profit minimal or negative.

My advice? If you have a CAC-approved coin in a trusted holder, leave it alone unless you’re certain of a big jump, like to MS. The risks outweigh the rewards for small upgrades.

Market Observations and Final Thoughts

Flying Eagle cents in upper AU grades are solid investments right now—they’re affordable yet scarce with strong strikes. I see them as undervalued compared to other early U.S. coins, especially with CAC examples commanding higher prices. For me, this coin is a keeper; it embodies the joy of collecting with its history and beauty. If you’re eyeing one, focus on eye appeal over grade alone, and always factor in holder premiums when buying or selling. Happy collecting—I’m thrilled to add this to my set!