A Discussion of Cuds on 1857 Flying Eagle Cents

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A Discussion of Cuds on 1857 Flying Eagle Cents

By 1858 the Mint staff felt the Flying Eagle design caused production difficulties as die life was very low compared to the previous Large Cent. Die life is one of the most important factors in running a high-production minting operation.

The Obverse of the 1857 Flying Eagle Cent (2 Reverse Cuds - North) — The Obverse of the 1857 Flying Eagle Cent (2 Reverse Cuds – North)

Uncirculated 1857 Flying Eagle Cent (2 Reverse Cuds - South) — Uncirculated 1857 Flying Eagle Cent (2 Reverse Cuds – South)

This was a result a result of metallurgical fatigue failure or cracking resulting in die breakage (known to collectors as “cuds”). Most of the die breakage occurred on the reverse dies. The reverse die for Flying Eagle cents was the hammer die, and was more susceptible to metal fatigue. Some examples of die breaks on the reverse side of Flying Eagles are shown here.