Whitman Expo
1869 MPD & RPD 2 Cents MS RB FS-301 Values
Details
The 1869 Two Cent Piece is a slightly scarcer type coin as the mintage drops from recent previous issues by half. Extremely common in all grades up to the finest of gems which are just slightly scarce. The color designations show a very gradual increase in value and rarity with only the highest graded red gems being rare.
Obverse: An ornate shield flanked on the left and right by leaves with arrow heads and shanks (crossed behind) appear protruding at the four corners. A ribbon above the shield bears the words IN GOD WE TRUST, making this coin design the first usage this now-ubiquitous motto. The date is positioned at the bottom center.
Reverse: A large numeral 2 with the word CENTS below (smaller) in the center is framed by a well-defined wheat wreath tied at the bottom center by a simple ribbon. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA appears around the periphery.
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
1,546,500
Coinage Type:
Two cent piece
Coinage Years:
1864-1872
Composition:
0.95 copper; 0.05 tin & zinc
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
MPD & RPD
Variety 2:
FS-301
Physical Characteristics
Weight:
6.22 gr
Weight:
0.2 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
23 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
James B. Longacre
Obverse Lettering:
IN GOD WE TRUST, 1869
Obverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
Reverse Lettering:
2, CENTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Reverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
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