Unboxing My Birthday Gift: A Stunning Flying Eagle Cent Win

I decided to treat myself to a belated birthday gift by winning a coin on GreatCollections, and that familiar rush of excitement hit when the package finally landed in my mailbox. As a longtime collector, early American cents have always been my weakness, and this Flying Eagle cent instantly drew me in with its razor-sharp details and gorgeous surfaces.

The Coin That Stole My Heart

Unwrapping that package revealed an 1857 Flying Eagle cent that took my breath away. What a stunner! The eagle’s feathers show incredible detail from a perfect strike, the lettering pops crisply, and it carries that beautiful original toning that whispers of its journey through time. After decades in this hobby, coins with this much luster and so few marks are rare finds—I’d stack it against some Mint State pieces I’ve handled. For newcomers to the series, here’s why these coins are special: Flying Eagle cents had a brief but memorable run from 1856 to 1858, making them cherished pieces of American history.

The Grading Dilemma: To Crack or Not to Crack?

My coin arrived slabbed as AU, but I couldn’t shake the feeling it might be undergraded. Many fellow collectors I’ve talked to share this experience—coins sometimes look better than their official grades suggest. The real debate was whether to crack it out for a regrade. Here’s why I decided to leave it alone:

• Cost vs. Benefit: Checking recent sales on eBay and Greysheet, moving from AU55 to AU58 might only add $100-$150. After grading fees and shipping costs, the actual gain shrinks to almost nothing.
• CAC Premiums: That green CAC sticker adds real value—a CAC AU55 can fetch around $415, while a non-CAC AU58 might hit $455. Not enough difference to gamble on a regrade.
• Holder Value: Older slabs like this one have their own charm for collectors, preserving that extra bit of character without the uncertainty of a new grade.

From what I’ve seen over the years, chasing upgrades often becomes a coin flip—especially when you’ve already got a great example in hand. Sometimes it’s best to enjoy what you have.

Flying Eagle Cents: What They’re Going For

Looking at current prices, AU-grade Flying Eagles offer solid value compared to rarer dates while delivering outstanding eye appeal:

• AU55 coins typically sell between $300-$400, while AU58s might reach $450-$500—though CAC-approved examples like mine command stronger prices
• Coins with bold strikes are especially desirable since many in this series show weakness

If you’re building a set, prioritize coins with original surfaces and minimal wear—they hold value best. And if you’re eyeing an upgrade like an 1856? Brace yourself; they’re scarcer and carry heftier premiums.

Why This Coin is a Keeper

After weighing everything and trusting my gut as a collector, I’m keeping this Flying Eagle cent exactly as it arrived. More than just a birthday splurge, it captures that electric feeling of the hunt and the deep satisfaction of owning a coin with true personality. In my 48 years of collecting, I’ve owned only a handful of high-grade examples—like that PCGS XF45—but this one stands apart with its radiant luster and crisp details. To fellow collectors I’d say: listen to your instincts. Often the best coins are those you love without overthinking them.