The Two Cent Coin

The Two Cent piece refers to a series of United States coins that were minted between 1864 and 1873. It was introduced during the Civil War as a response to the increasing need for small-denomination coins. Prior to the Two Cent piece, the lowest denomination in circulation was the One Cent coin, which was insufficient for making small purchases and conducting day-to-day transactions.

The design of the Two Cent piece featured a shield on the obverse (front) and a wreath on the reverse (back). The shield was intended to symbolize the Union, while the wreath represented the agricultural nature of the nation. The coins were composed of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, giving them a bronze-like appearance.

The Two Cent piece was the first coin to bear the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST." This inscription was added to the coin's design in 1864, during a time of national crisis and as a reflection of the religious sentiment prevalent among many Americans.

The production of the Two Cent piece faced several challenges. The coin was not widely accepted by the public, and there were issues with the design's durability. The coins were prone to wearing quickly and developing a reddish color due to their high copper content. Additionally, counterfeiters often gilded the coins with gold to pass them off as higher-value denominations.

The Two Cent piece series was discontinued in 1873 due to a decrease in demand and issues with its practicality. By that time, the economic situation had stabilized, and the need for small denomination coins had diminished. The Mint ceased production of the coin, and it was eventually phased out of circulation.

Today, the Two Cent piece is considered a numismatic curiosity and is highly sought after by coin collectors. Its relatively short production period and unique design make it a desirable addition to coin collections.

Key Dates

The United States Two Cent piece series spanned from 1864 to 1873, and there are a few key dates within this range that are particularly noteworthy for collectors. Here are the key dates of the U.S. Two Cent coin series:

1. 1864 Small Motto: The first year of the Two Cent piece series, 1864, had two varieties known as the "Large Motto" and the "Small Motto." The Small Motto variety is scarcer and more valuable. It features the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" with smaller letters above the shield on the obverse.

2. 1864 Large Motto: As mentioned earlier, the 1864 Large Motto variety is the other variety of the first-year issue. It has larger letters for the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" above the shield on the obverse.

3. 1865: This year saw relatively low mintages for the Two Cent piece, making all coins from 1865 scarcer than other dates. Collectors often seek out this date due to its lower availability.

4. 1867: The 1867 Two Cent piece has a relatively low mintage, particularly compared to the preceding and subsequent years. This date is considered scarce and desirable among collectors.

5. 1872: The 1872 Two Cent piece had a significantly low mintage, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after dates in the series. It is challenging to find in higher grades, and examples in well-preserved condition command high prices.

It's worth noting that while these dates are generally considered more desirable among collectors, the entire series of Two Cent pieces can be challenging to find in higher grades due to factors such as low mintages, circulation wear, and natural toning that occurred over time. As with any collectible coin, the value of these key dates will vary based on their condition, rarity, and demand in the market.