You’ll find Two-Cent Pieces (1864-1873) through certified dealers like PCGS and NGC, online auction houses such as Heritage and Stack’s Bowers, coin shows near Philadelphia, and occasionally estate sales. Focus on the 1864 Small Motto variety—identifiable by its narrower “D” in “God”—which commands premiums up to $4,100 in MS-65 condition. Common dates like 1865 cost $20-$50 in circulated grades, while proof-only 1872-1873 issues exceed $1,000. Always verify authenticity through third-party grading, as counterfeiters target high-value specimens. Understanding the denomination’s variants and production history enhances your collecting strategy.
Key Takeaways
- Two-Cent Pieces circulated 1864-1873, introduced during Civil War to address coin shortages caused by hoarding from 1861-1862.
- Philadelphia Mint exclusively produced these bronze coins; 1864 had highest mintage at 19.8 million, declining to proof-only by 1873.
- Buy authenticated specimens from PCGS/NGC-certified dealers, online auction houses like Heritage and Stack’s Bowers, or coin shows near Philadelphia.
- Common dates (1864 Large Motto, 1865) cost $20-$50 circulated; rare 1864 Small Motto and proof-only 1872-1873 exceed $1,000.
- Verify authenticity through third-party grading services to avoid counterfeits targeting high-value varieties and rare proof specimens.
The Birth of America’s Two-Cent Piece During the Civil War
On April 22, 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Coinage Act of 1864, authorizing the Two-Cent Piece and fundamentally altering America’s monetary system during its gravest national crisis.
You’ll find this bronze denomination emerged from necessity when precious metal coin hoards emptied circulation between 1861-1862. Fearful citizens withdrew silver and gold, anticipating potential Union defeat.
Private tokens temporarily filled commerce gaps before federal intervention established the 95% copper, 5% tin-zinc composition as legal tender—a revolutionary first for base metal coinage.
The Philadelphia Mint struck these coins exclusively from 1864-1872, with proof-only specimens dated 1873. Designer James B. Longacre created the distinctive shield and wreath motifs that would define this Civil War-era denomination.
Most significantly, this series introduced “In God We Trust” as the first appearance of this motto on United States coinage, inspired by patriotic sentiment during the war.
Collector tips: authenticate Civil War-era pieces carefully, as mintage declined drastically after initial production.
This denomination represented monetary sovereignty during wartime uncertainty, giving you historical perspective on numismatic crisis management.
James Barton Longacre’s Patriotic Design Elements
When Chief Engraver James Barton Longacre designed the Two-Cent Piece obverse, he created America’s most overtly patriotic coin composition of the 19th century. The heraldic shield’s thirteen vertical stripes represent the original colonies, while laurel branches symbolize victory and peace.
Longacre’s Two-Cent Piece shield design merged colonial heritage with victory symbolism, establishing 19th-century America’s most patriotic numismatic statement.
Crossed arrows positioned behind the shield signify defensive readiness—crucial shield symbolism during wartime. You’ll notice Longacre’s patriotic motifs echo his Shield Nickel design, establishing a consistent visual language across denominations.
The reverse features an open wheat wreath encircling the denomination, blending agricultural prosperity with martial defense. This wreath motif combined North and South American agricultural symbols, demonstrating Longacre’s vision for national unity. Technical specifications include 95% copper composition, 23.00-millimeter diameter, and plain edge.
Pattern trials from 1863-1864 refined these elements before production began in 1864, delivering both proof and circulation strikes that embodied national unity during America’s greatest crisis. Above the shield, the “In God We Trust” motto appeared on a slightly curved scroll, marking the first time this phrase graced any circulating United States coin.
First Appearance of “IN GOD WE TRUST” on U.S. Coinage
The Coinage Act of 1864 authorized the two-cent piece bearing this historic motto—Lincoln’s final signed legislation before assassination. You’ll find specimens graded from Good-4 through Mint State commanding varying coin value based on strike quality and preservation.
Congress extended authorization in 1865 for larger denominations, though implementation varied by series. Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase instructed the Mint to incorporate the motto, starting with new designs.
Collector tips: examine ribbon details above the shield for die varieties. The 1873 Act granted Treasury discretionary authority, eventually leading to universal adoption by 1955. The motto’s emergence traces back to Civil War era proposals to officially recognize God on American coinage.
Bronze Composition and Physical Characteristics
Beyond its religious significance, Lincoln’s authorized two-cent piece introduced a novel metallic composition to American circulation coinage.
The two-cent piece marked America’s first circulating coin crafted from bronze rather than precious metals or pure copper.
You’ll find this metal alloy contains 95% copper with 5% tin and zinc—the same French bronze formula adopted for small cents. This strategic composition eliminated precious metal requirements during wartime shortages while maintaining weight consistency at precisely 6.22 grams (96 grains) across all strikes from 1864-1873.
The coin’s 23mm diameter exceeds contemporary one-cent pieces, facilitating recognition in commerce.
Philadelphia’s exclusive production displays James Longacre’s shield obverse featuring 13 vertical stripes, crossed arrows, and laurel branches. The shield design represents Longacre’s adaptation of the Great Seal, emphasizing national strength and union during the Civil War period.
The reverse presents an ornate wheat wreath encircling the “2 CENTS” denomination.
You’re examining base metal coinage with no bullion value—purely numismatic interest drives collector demand today. These coins served as legal tender during their circulation period before production ceased and the denomination was abolished by the Coinage Act of 1873.
Mintage Numbers Across the Series (1864-1873)
Although Congress authorized production to continue for nearly a decade, two-cent piece mintages reveal a denomination’s swift commercial rejection. Historical context shows 1864’s 19,822,500 pieces represented the absolute peak—you’ll find every subsequent year declining.
By 1872, minting technology produced merely 65,000 circulation strikes, the series’ key date.
Critical mintage milestones you should understand:
- 1864-1865: Initial production exceeded 13 million pieces annually, reflecting post-Civil War economic recovery.
- 1870-1871: Annual output collapsed below one million pieces as nickels gained public preference.
- 1873: Zero circulation strikes—only proof specimens for collectors seeking date-set completion.
The 1864 Small Motto variety exists in fewer than two dozen proof specimens. Proof versions were struck each year throughout the series from 1864 to 1873, with quantities ranging from approximately 100 pieces in the inaugural year to over 1,000 by 1870. The total proof mintage estimate across the entire series reached approximately 7,500 coins.
Total business strike production across nine years reached 45,601,000 pieces, yet commercial failure forced proof-only status by 1873.
Why the Two-Cent Denomination Failed to Gain Popularity
America’s two-cent piece emerged from wartime necessity but couldn’t sustain relevance once normal commerce resumed. You’ll find its demise stemmed from multiple factors: the 1866 introduction of five-cent nickels eliminated practical need, while three-cent pieces further crowded the denomination space.
The two-cent piece’s wartime purpose vanished as nickels and three-cent coins filled its niche in everyday transactions.
Minting processes favored standardization around nickel alloys, pushed by industrial interests like Joseph Wharton who opposed bronze compositions. The Coinage Act of 1873 officially abolished the denomination as Treasury moved toward gold-standard policies.
Earlier proposals in 1806 and 1836 had failed due to counterfeit challenges with billon metals—concerns Mint Director Robert Patterson emphasized.
By 1865, millions sat unused with postmasters and transit companies.
Though collectors appreciate its “IN GOD WE TRUST” motto debut, the public’s wartime enthusiasm evaporated rapidly, making this short-lived series a footnote in numismatic history.
Small Motto vs. Large Motto Varieties of 1864
When the U.S. Mint introduced “In God We Trust” in 1864, you’ll encounter two distinct varieties that present grading challenges for collectors. The Small Motto, struck from prototype dies, appears on just a few thousand business strikes and 20-30 proofs—making it five times rarer than its Large Motto counterpart.
You can identify the Small Motto through these diagnostic features:
- The “D” in “God” appears smaller and narrower
- The first “T” in “Trust” sits just 1mm from the ribbon crease
- The laurel wreath stem remains visible beneath “God”
For counterfeit detection, examine the “O” in “God”—it’s round and positioned higher on genuine Small Motto specimens.
You’ll find MS-65 examples commanding $4,100 premiums, while even G-4 grades bring $250.
The 1865 Plain 5 and Fancy 5 Varieties
Among 1865 Indian Head cents, collectors face a critical attribution decision between Plain 5 and Fancy 5 varieties—a distinction that’ll substantially impact both grading approach and market value.
The 1865 Indian Head cent’s Plain 5 versus Fancy 5 attribution fundamentally determines both your coin’s market premium and authentication requirements.
You’ll identify the Fancy 5 by its dramatic dip on the numeral’s right half, creating a distinctive flip with a curved arm.
The Plain 5 displays a flat or slightly curved top edge with a normal crossbar.
For grading considerations, the Plain 5 commands premiums due to scarcity—approximately twice as rare as its Fancy counterpart.
Counterfeit detection requires examining the numeral’s profile under magnification, particularly the top edge curvature.
Authentication through PCGS or NGC provides verification, with separate designations (#38256 BN, #38257 RB) confirming genuine Fancy 5 specimens.
Market spreads between varieties widen dramatically in uncirculated grades.
Rarity and Availability for Modern Collectors
Beyond variety attribution lies the practical matter of acquiring these coins in today’s market. You’ll face distinct challenges when building your collection:
- Grading challenges: Copper surfaces oxidize unpredictably, making original surfaces difficult to authenticate. The 1864 Small Motto’s 10,000 survivors include only thirty certified MS65 or better specimens.
- Counterfeit concerns: The 1872’s $300+ floor value in lower grades attracts skilled counterfeiters. You’ll need TPG authentication for high-premium dates.
- Market accessibility: Common dates (1864 Large Motto, 1865) remain affordable at $20-$50 in circulated grades, while 1872-1873 proof-only issues routinely exceed $1,000.
Your best strategy prioritizes condition over completion—one problem-free Extra Fine specimen outweighs three corroded examples preserving your capital.
Where to Search for Two-Cent Pieces Today
Although two-cent pieces disappeared from circulation over 150 years ago, you’ll find them through five distinct marketplace channels, each offering specific advantages for condition-conscious collectors.
Five specialized marketplaces offer condition-conscious collectors direct access to authenticated two-cent pieces missing from circulation since the 1870s.
Certified platforms like PCGS and NGC provide population reports essential for coin grading accuracy.
Online auctions (Heritage, Stack’s Bowers, GreatCollections) deliver authenticated specimens with transparent bidding.
Coin shows and conventions—particularly ANA events and FUN—grant direct access to dealer networks offering immediate authentication and expert verification of historical significance.
Local shops near Philadelphia source estate lots containing Civil War-era specimens. These shops facilitate trade-ins for scarcer 1867-1873 dates.
Estate sales and flea markets**** remain wildcards. They occasionally yield uncleaned examples from attic hoards.
Regional weekend markets near historical sites produce affordable low-grade pieces for collectors prioritizing authenticity over premium specimens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Two-Cent Piece Worth in Circulated Condition Today?
You’ll find circulated Two Cent pieces valued between $15-$50 for common dates (1864-1871), though coin preservation and historical significance affect pricing. Rarer dates like 1872 command $300-$600, depending on grading standards you’re seeking.
How Can I Tell if My 1864 Two-Cent Is Authentic?
Check your coin’s weight (6.22 grams), composition (95% copper), and design details against grading standards for counterfeit detection. The 1864’s historical significance as America’s first “IN GOD WE TRUST” coin makes authentication vital for collectors.
Should I Clean My Two-Cent Piece to Improve Its Appearance?
Don’t clean it—you’ll permanently destroy collector value and grading potential. Preservation strategies prioritize maintaining original surfaces over appearance improvements. Aggressive cleaning techniques strip authentic patina that authenticates Civil War-era pieces, making your coin fundamentally worthless to serious numismatists.
What Grading Services Authenticate and Grade Two-Cent Pieces?
Like twin guardians of authenticity, PCGS and NGC authenticate and grade two-cent pieces for coin collecting enthusiasts. They’ll verify your bronze metal composition (95% copper, 5% tin/zinc) and assign accurate grades, empowering you with certification freedom.
Are Proof Two-Cent Pieces More Valuable Than Circulation Strikes?
Proof two-cent pieces generally command premiums over circulation strikes in grades 61+, though you’ll find exceptions. Historical significance and minting variations matter—1872 business strikes and certain gem-grade dates actually exceed their Proof counterparts in value.
References
- https://coinweek.com/two-cent-piece-1864-1873-civil-war-in-god-we-trust/
- https://coinweek.com/1864-two-cent-coin-a-collectors-guide-coinweek/
- https://blackmarketllc.com/products/1867-two-cent-piece-vf-raw-die-crack-through-united-incomplete-d-civil-war-era-variety
- https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1865-2c-bn/3582
- https://twocentpiece.com
- https://bullionsharks.com/1864-1873-two-cent-piece—only-one-of-its-kind/
- https://www.greatamericancoincompany.com/products/1865-u-s-civil-war-era-two-cent-piece-coin
- https://bullionexchanges.com/coin-info/two-cent-pieces-1864-1873
- https://bullionsharks.com/two-cent-penny-history/
- https://learn.apmex.com/learning-guide/coin-collecting/two-cent-piece-1864-1873/
