1856 1c Fly.Eagle NGC Proof 65 (Snow-3 Mint State 65; ex:Mintz)

DLRC #: 234156 // PCGS #: 2037

One the finest examples graded of this famous rarity. The 1856 Flyer in gem Proof boasts beautiful, pristine fields with moderate mirrored surfaces with various hints of red and blue toning mixed throughout the even chocolate coloring. The coin is accompanied by an Eagle Eye Attribution card which certifies the die variety as Snow-3 (Mint State). According to Rick Snow, noted expert on this series, the S-3 is considered one of the three "original striking" dies, along with the S-1 and S-5. He notes that the majority of proofs are the S-9 die pair, which were struck later for sale to the burgeoning collector market. Even though NGC does not recognize the Mint State designation for 1856 flying eagle, Mr. Snow and others do, making this a great rarity of utmost importance. Between the S-3 and S-9 varieties, Snow estimates that the S-3 is 3-4 times rarer than the S-9 and possible just 20 coins exist in gem condition. This web page offers more information.