2-Cent Piece 2c 1864-1872 MS RD [Type]

The 2 cent coin was struck by the United States Mint from 1864 through 1873 and was created to fill a need for small change during a massive Civil War-era coin shortage. The bronze 2 cent coin, designed by United States Mint Chief Engraver James B. Longacre, barely lasted a decade. Despite its relatively brief existence, it became historic for at least one reason, it was the first United States coin to bear the motto IN GOD WE TRUST, which today is seen on all United States coins.

While a popular series, the 2 cent piece is not widely collected as anything more than a type coin. However, there are series specialists who enjoy pursuing 2 cent coins. There are few big-ticket 2 cent pieces. Most in the lower circulated grades are priced at well less than $50. However, there are a couple regular-issue business-strike pieces that command three figure prices or greater. These include the scarce 1864 Small Motto that trades for about $200 and up and the 1872, which has a mintage of only 65,000 pieces and generally commands $300 or more. The 1867 doubled die is the major die variety of the series.

Obverse Description

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 Description

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.