Mintage:  12,300,000 (estimated)

Proofs:  120 (estimated)

Comments:  The mintage level for 1858 increased by over 8 million from the previous year.  The small letters obverse are identifed by the smaller lettering size in the legend as compared to the larger size lettering of the large letters obverse.  The easiest diagnostic of a small letters obverse is the separation of AM in AMERICA.  Three different reverse hubs were utilized during 1858; therefore, three different die combinatons may be possible for the 1858 small letters cents.  The reverses, which are termed type I, type II and type III, will be subdivided within the table below.

The transition from large letters obverse to small letters obverse, as well as the transition from the high leaves reverse to the low leaves reverse, was initiated in an attempt to address strike deficiencies and optimize working die life.  The problem was that the deep design elements of the wreath competed for metal flow with the corresponding head and tail of the eagle.  Simply increasing striking pressure to address the design issue would result in greatly reduced working die life.  The new small letters obverse and low leaves reverse were more shallow in comparison to the previous large letter / high leaves design combination.  The idea was that with the more shallow obverse and reverse working die design elements, striking pressure could be reduced and die life may be extended.

Rarity Estimates for 1858 Small Letters Varieties

Top  100	Variety Number	Obv	Rev	Date Position	Obverse / Reverse Attributes	Cross Reference
TYPE III REVERSES
	1	4	D	?	Obverse Retained Cud Below Date
	2	5	E	?	Obverse Cud Between 1:30 and 2:30
	3	6	F	RE	Reworked '(S)TATE(S) / Hub Doubling Of ON(E)