The 1851 one cent piece, also known as the "Flying Eagle" cent, is a copper coin that was produced by the United States Mint from 1851 to 1858. The Flying Eagle cent was designed by James B. Longacre and features a flying eagle on the obverse and a wreath surrounding the denomination "ONE CENT" on the reverse.
The value of an 1851 one cent piece can vary depending on its condition and rarity. Here are some approximate values for different grades of the 1851 Flying Eagle cent:
- Good (G): $50 - $100
- Very Good (VG): $150 - $250
- Fine (F): $300 - $400
- Very Fine (VF): $500 - $750
- Extremely Fine (EF): $1,000 - $1,500
- Uncirculated (UNC): $2,000+
The rarest variety of the 1851 Flying Eagle cent is the 1851-O, also known as the "snowball" variety. The 1851-O cent was produced at the New Orleans Mint and is characterized by a small, rounded "O" mint mark located below the eagle's tail. The 1851-O cent is considered to be one of the rarest and most valuable one-cent pieces ever produced by the United States Mint.
Please note that these values are approximate and can fluctuate based on market conditions. It is always a good idea to consult with a reputable coin dealer or appraiser to get a more accurate estimate of the value of an 1851 one cent piece.