1858 1858/7 Strong Flying Eagle Cent

The 1858/7 Strong overdate is the more visually dramatic of the two 1858 overdate varieties. The remnant of the underlying 7 is clearly visible within and around the 8, with the 7's diagonal stroke and serif showing through the curves of the 8. On well-preserved coins in Fine or better, the overdate is identifiable under a standard loupe without difficulty. On sharp Extremely Fine or Uncirculated examples, the 7 practically announces itself.

The Strong overdate is the more collected of the two versions because the diagnostic feature is easier to see and more satisfying to identify. The premium over a standard 1858 is meaningful, particularly in higher grades where the overdate detail is sharpest. The variety appears in the Red Book and other standard references, giving it visibility beyond the specialist market.

The 1858/7 Strong overdate is one of the few overdates in the small cent series, making it notable for collectors who have encountered overdates primarily on earlier denominations. The large cent and half cent series produced overdates regularly; by the late 1850s, the practice was becoming less common as Mint production methods modernized. The 1858/7 is among the last prominent overdates in cent coinage before the practice essentially disappeared.