Flying Eagle & Indian Head Cents: History, Values, Collecting

Flying Eagle & Indian Head cents are among the most beloved and widely collected U.S. small cents, steeped in American history, artistry, and numismatic intrigue. In the freshly updated edition of Flying Eagle and Indian Head Cents, award-winning author Richard Snow examines these iconic coins in great depth and detail, covering everything from their origins and designs to detailed mintage data, die varieties, and current market values.

Flying Eagle cents, struck for circulation only from 1857 to 1858, were the nation’s first small cents and marked a significant shift in U.S. coinage. Their bold design and short lifespan make them a must-have for collectors. Indian Head cents, minted from 1859 to 1909, spanned decades of American growth and transformation, from the Civil War through the dawn of the 20th century.

Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or just beginning your collecting journey, this reference guide is essential for understanding why Flying Eagle and Indian Head cents continue to capture the imagination and enthusiasm of collectors more than a century after their release.

Inside you'll find:

• Values in up to nine grades per coin, including Brown, Red-Brown, and Red
• Mintages for all circulation and Proof strikes
• Grading guide
• Over 400 color images
• Mint errors, toned Proofs, patterns, counterfeit and altered coins
• Illustrated study of exonumia by Charmy Harker, the Penny Lady®
• More than 350 unique Greysheet ID (GSID) numbers listed
• Die varieties
• And much more!

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of small cents with the all-new fourth edition of Flying Eagle and Indian Head Cents, part of Whitman’s renowned Red Book Series. This acclaimed series spans nearly 30 volumes, each providing in-depth coverage of specific U.S. coin types and programs featured in the Official Red Book.