1857 1c Small Date MS RB

Small date variety. The last year of issue for the large cent type and a relatively low-mintage date owing to the fact that the U.S. Mint had widely been circulating the new, smaller flying eagle cents. Over 17 million flying eagles were struck in 1857 compared to just 333 thousand large cents.

Obverse Description

Lady Liberty is portrayed with hair tied in a bun, facing left, in what is referred to as the so-called braided hair style. The word LIBERTY appearing on her headband. 13 stars appear continuously around the periphery with the date at the bottom.

Reverse Description

The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the periphery surround a wreath framing the words ONE CENT. The wreath is tied by a bow at the bottom.