The 1858 Flying Eagle Cent with a beautiful black dark patina is a cherished example from America’s first small cent series, struck at the Philadelphia Mint with an alloy of 88% copper and 12% nickel, weighing 4.67 grams and measuring 19 mm in diameter. This coin features James B. Longacre’s elegant design—an eagle in flight on the obverse, surrounded by “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and a wreath encircling “ONE CENT” on the reverse. There are two major varieties for 1858: Large Letters and Small Letters, distinguished by the spacing between the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA,” with the Large Letters types considered somewhat scarcer.

The black dark patina—resulting from decades of natural oxidation—creates a visually dramatic effect that enhances the coin’s devices, making details in the eagle and lettering “pop” with bold contrast against the field. Collectors highly prize original patina, especially when it highlights the artistry and depth of the coin’s design, and it adds distinctive appeal compared to bright or cleaned surfaces. This type of toning is especially sought by numismatists who appreciate honest, unmolested surfaces and rich history.

Despite a mintage of over 24 million pieces, many original Flying Eagle Cents do not survive in visually attractive, well-preserved condition, and examples with bold, attractive patina command higher premiums in the market. These coins represent a critical period in U.S. numismatic history, bridging the transition from large cents to the enduring small cent format, and hold a special place for collectors of 19th-century American coinage.

Overall, a 1858 Flying Eagle Cent with striking black patina not only presents beautiful visual drama, but also embodies the craftsmanship and transitional history of early U.S. coinage, making it a key specimen for both artistic and historical appreciation.