1856 1C Snow-3 Flying Eagle Cent PCGS MS62 (PHOTO SEAL)

Unc (11: 3,4,4). The original strike in the correct holder - designated as a MS coin. The Snow-3 die pair is important as these are from the original group of coins struck in late 1856 for distribution to Congress. The 600+ examples coined were struck in a simulated press run at regular press speeds. They are not specially struck as Proofs as was desired by collectors at the time. They were made to test the equipment striking a new metal planchet in a new size and new design. It was a success and they were used to pass the legislation in Congress. We know that this is true by linking estimated surviving examples with the official letters detailing the Congressional distribution. The Proof issues were struck later in larger quantities and sold to collectors and dealers. 

 

The Snow-3 die pair is found many times with evidence of this regular-speed production. Strike-doubling is an artifact of regular (not Proof) production. While this example does not show strike-doubling, many Snow-3's do. The dies were new when these coins were struck and do show mirrored to satiny surfaces. This does not make a coin a proof. Nor does the look and feel of a particular example make it a Proof while others struck at the same time not a Proof. A classic example is the rare 1880 nickel. Proofs are relatively common, while the non-Proof is very rare. They look alike, but a certain die diagnostic on the non-proof identifies it as a rare non-Proof. Same is true here - the Snow-3 die pair identifies this as a non-Proof. 

 

The PCGS holder identifies this as a non-Proof as well and this can be entered into the PCGS set regisrty as a MS coin. The grade is lowered due to some hairlines in the fields. This also keeps it somewhat affordable. If you want a true MS coin in a MS holder, this is the coin.