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1857 1C PR65 PCGS. PR-1. Beautifully frosted, the eagle seems to float atop deep mirrored fields on.

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:45.00 - 60.00 USD
1857 1C PR65 PCGS. PR-1. Beautifully frosted, the eagle seems to float atop deep mirrored fields on.
1857 1C PR65 PCGS. PR-1. Beautifully frosted, the eagle seems to float atop deep mirrored fields on the obverse of this awe-inspiring specimen. The reverse field is equally reflective, and both sides display very few post-striking impairments. The upper right reverse quadrant and a few other highpoints of the wreath show slight incompleteness of detail, possibly due to a rough planchet. This feature, however, does not appreciably detract from the overall exquisite eye appeal. PCGS reports only 11 coins at the PR66 level, and there are none graded finer (10/02). Proof 1857 Flying Eagle Cents are as rare as they are beautiful. An estimated 50 examples survive from three die pairs. This particular Gem was struck from the PR-1 die marriage as described in Richard Snow's 2001 book The Flying Eagle and Indian Cent Attribution Guide, Vol. 1: 1856-1858. The 2003 Guide Book estimates a mintage of 485 pieces for this proof issue. This total is either overly optimistic, or more than 400 pieces were destroyed or lost. Walter Breen (Encyclopedia of United States and Colonial Proof Coins: 1722-1977, 1977) states that "less than a dozen" proof 1857 Flying Eagle Cents are traced and gives no estimate of the number of coins originally produced. This estimate of the number of survivors is obviously a bit low, but there is little doubt that the present Gem represents a fleeting opportunity for the dedicated Flying Eagle Cent collector.From the Joseph P. Gorrell Collection. Important notice: We expect to be auctioning lots at the rate of 200-250 per hour. Sometimes eBay Premier live bid software cannot keep up with that pace, so we strongly recommend that you place a realistic proxy bid now as insurance to avoid disappointment. Also please note that all Heritage/CAA lots purchased through eBay Premier carry a 20% Buyer's Premium. Please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions.