Introduced just before the Civil War, this history-making "white cent" set the size standard for all future U.S. pennies. It was the first U.S. copper-nickel coin, known as the "nickel" or "nick" in its day. Contemporaries favored its compactness in pocket or purse compared to former all-copper cents - especially ladies, who had sometimes worn gloves to handle old "big coppers," which could stain perspiring fingers. The spectacular "Flying Eagle" was quickly retired after just two years of circulation minting. The antebellum reverse optimistically entwined the North's corn and wheat with the South's cotton and tobacco. Our well-preserved Fine quality circulated during the Civil War. Our choice of date.
19mm
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