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FLYING EAGLE and INDIAN CENT
Flying Eagle and Indian Cents (1856-1909)
The Mint Act of February 21, 1857 ended the long reign of the 1793-1857 large cent, and provided for
a new, small cent made of copper-nickel alloy. Since that time, one-cent pieces have been made to
the standard of 19 mm diameter. Alloys for the manufacturing of small cents have changed over the
years, as have the designs. The evolution of the small cent is treated in the sections to follow. In
brief, small cents are of the following major designs:
Flying Eagle design, 1857-1858, with patterns dated 1856. Indian design, 1859-1909. Lincoln design,
1909 to date.
a new, small cent made of copper-nickel alloy. Since that time, one-cent pieces have been made to
the standard of 19 mm diameter. Alloys for the manufacturing of small cents have changed over the
years, as have the designs. The evolution of the small cent is treated in the sections to follow. In
brief, small cents are of the following major designs:
Flying Eagle design, 1857-1858, with patterns dated 1856. Indian design, 1859-1909. Lincoln design,
1909 to date.