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The Flying Eagle cent, introduced in 1856, was the first small cent to be struck and weighed half as much as the large cent. It was made of an alloy of copper and nickel and was originally issued below its actual worth to encourage people to use...
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The Flying Eagle cent, introduced in 1856, was the first small cent to be struck and weighed half as much as the large cent. It was made of an alloy of copper and nickel and was originally issued below its actual worth to encourage people to use it. The coin depicts an eagle soaring with "United States of America" above and the year below. The reverse features the words "one cent" inside a wreath of plants, including tobacco and wheat. There are many varieties of the Flying Eagle cent, such as the "Style of 1856" coins. Proofs and uncirculated strikes are also available. As it was difficult to strike Flying Eagles, they were only issued for two years and were replaced by Indian Head cents in 1859.

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