The US 1856 Cent coin, designed by James B. Longacre, features a flying eagle on the reverse and Libertys head on the obverse. This design marked a shift in U.S. coinage, moving away from the traditional large cent. The coin’s copper-nickel composition was introduced during a period of economic growth, responding to the need for smaller, more practical denominations.
In 1856, the U.S. economy was expanding, and the US 1856 Cent symbolized progress. The coin’s copper-nickel metal composition reflected the nation’s efforts to utilize more affordable materials, while its eagle design embodied American strength and resilience in the face of growing political tensions.