TWO-CENT PIECE 1864-1873
Description
Apparently the Cent was not immune from inflationary pressures of the times. The need to carry more coins to make the same smaller purchases became evident and notable cumbersome. Thus the inception of the Two Cent Piece.
The two-cent piece, made in pattern form as early as 1836, was first used in circulation in 1864. The obverse design depicts a shield with two arrows behind, a wreath surrounding, and the motto IN GOD WE TRUST on a ribbon above. The date is near the bottom border. The reverse illustrates an open wreath enclosing the denomination 2 CENTS, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the border.
Specimens of early years, particularly 1864 through 1869, are readily available in any grade desired from Good through AU, Uncirculated pieces are scarce, and superb Uncirculated pieces with full original mint color are quite elusive. Rarities in the series include the 1864 Small Motto, the 1869/8 overdate, and the Proof-only 1873.
Valuation
- COIN NAME
- TWO-CENT PIECE 1864-1873
- DESIGNED BY
- James B. Longacre
- ISSUE DATE
- 1864-1873
- COMPOSITION
- Bronze (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc)
- DIAMETER
- 23 mm
- WEIGHT
- 96 grains
- EDGE
- Plain
- BUS MINT
- 45,601,000
- PROOF MINT
- 7,500 (estimated)
The statements made on this website are opinions only. Past results are no guarantee of future performance or returns. Precious metals, like all investments, carry risk. Precious metals and coins may appreciate, depreciate, or stay the same depending on a variety of factors. Lear Capital, Inc. cannot guarantee, and makes no representation, that any metals purchased will appreciate at all or appreciate sufficiently to make customers a profit. Lear is a retail seller of precious metals and its buyback (or bid) prices are lower than its sell (or ask) prices. Metals must appreciate enough to account for this difference in order for customer to make a profit when liquidating the metals. Lear does not provide financial advice or retirement planning services. The decision to purchase or sell precious metals, and which precious metals to purchase or sell, are the customer’s decision alone, and purchases and sales should be made subject to the customer’s own research, prudence and judgment.