1856 1C Flying Eagle S-3 MS65 Certification #05860096, PCGS #391479

The 1856 S-3 is the second most common die marriage of the series, but certainly the most important. These S-3s were the coins most probably distributed to the members of Congress to promote the new small cent. This beautiful MS65 piece was previously owned by Dr. Tim Larson and is one of the finest known 1856 in a MS slab.

Jaime Hernandez

By 1854, the Mint was spending more money to produce the Large cent coin than its actual face value.

Alternatively, the Mint began experimenting by producing 1854, 1855 and 1856 pattern cents, (View Coin # 11674, 11709 and 11792). The Mint also produced several varieties for 1856 Flying Eagle cents. One of the most desirable varieties is the Snow-3 variety.

The 1856 Flying Eagle cent with the Snow-3 variety, is believed to be the first coins that were originally struck and handed out to government officials. This variety can be distinguished because of the repunched 5 on the date.

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Ron Guth

According to Rick Snow, noted Flying Eagle and Indian Head Cent expert, "One of the main points that show that the Snow-3 is a business strike is that many show strike-doubling. You will find that this happens on the steam press, but not on the screw press that the Proofs were struck on. Many of the Proofs are terribly made, granted, but a high Proof mintage (1500 - S9's) will have quality issues."