Two Cents (1864-1873)
The Two Cents coin, minted from 1864 to 1873, holds a unique place in American numismatic history as one of the shortest-lived denominations. It was introduced during the Civil War as a response to the severe shortage of small denomination coins in circulation. Due to hoarding and the high value of silver and gold coins, there was a need for coins of smaller value. The Two Cents coin, along with the introduction of the copper-nickel alloy, was the solution.
The Two Cents coin was designed by James Barton Longacre, who was also responsible for designing the famous Indian Head Cent and the Indian Princess Gold Dollar. Longacre's design for the Two Cents coin was distinctive and innovative for its time. The obverse features a shield with the denomination "2 CENTS" inscribed within it. Above the shield, the words "IN GOD WE TRUST" are prominently displayed, making this coin one of the first to feature this national motto.
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Obverse Design: The obverse of the Two Cents coin showcases a large, ornate shield with the denomination "2 CENTS" in the center. Above the shield, the national motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" is inscribed in a graceful arc. The shield design is surrounded by a laurel wreath.
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Reverse Design: The reverse features a simple yet elegant wreath of wheat and oak leaves encircling the Roman numeral "II," indicating the denomination.
Newly Listed
George Washington 1923 Red Postage Samp, used, 4-sided perforation
$3,500.00
0 Bids1901-Now: Used | Stamps | United States |
2 cent, 1896 "A" France - Third Republic, bronze.
$1.11
0 BidsVor Euro-Einführung | Münzen | Münzen Europa | Frankreich |
VERY RARE GEORGE WASHINGTON RED 1923 2 CENT STAMP
$1,000.00
0 BidsCollections, Lots | Stamps | United States |
George Washington 1923 Red Postage Samp, used, 4-sided perforation
$3,500.00
0 Bids1901-Now: Used | Stamps | United States |
US 231 mint NH - 1893 2 cent Columbian cc
$5.99
0 Bids19th Century: Unused | Stamps | United States |
#319 2c WASHINGTON ISSUE UNUSED BLK 2- MH,2-MNH
$1.00
0 Bids1901-40: Unused | Stamps | United States |
1909 United States Two Cents Postage Stamp #367 Lincoln
$2.00
0 BidsPostage | Stamps | United States |
1987 United States Two Cents Postage Stamp #2169 Mary Lyons
$1.25
0 BidsPostage | Stamps | United States |
George Wshington 1890 2 Cent stamp, beautiful!
$400.00
0 Bids1901-Now: Used | Stamps | United States |
* 1968 2 CENT CIRCULATED DECIMAL SCARCER DATE TONED #ZBPD20
$3.38
0 BidsDecimal | Coins | Coins | Australian |
* 1968 1 AND 2 CENT PAIR CIRCULATED DECIMAL SCARCER DATE TONED #LJMO4
$2.71
0 BidsDecimal | Coins | Coins | Australian |
* 1987 2 CENT SPECIMEN UNCIRCULATED DECIMAL LUSTROUS #AZ091
$4.06
0 BidsDecimal | Coins | Coins | Australian |
Dutch India 1945 2 1/2 Cent Bro (III)
$1.11
0 BidsIndonesien | Münzen | Münzen International | Asien |
* EDGE OF BAR BITTEN 1966 TWO CENT ERROR DECIMAL COIN #SFE3
$13.54
0 BidsDecimal | Coins | Coins | Australian |
* EDGE OF BAR 1974 TWO CENT ERROR DECIMAL COIN SLAGGY BITE #FBMB3
$10.15
0 BidsDecimal | Coins | Coins | Australian |
Dutch India 1945 2 1/2 Cent Bro (II)
$1.11
0 BidsIndonesien | Münzen | Münzen International | Asien |
Dutch India 1945 2 1/2 Cent Bro (I)
$1.11
0 BidsIndonesien | Münzen | Münzen International | Asien |
1865 2c Two Cent Piece - Chocolate Brown
$40.00
0 BidsTwo Cents | Coins & Paper Money | Coins: US |
1867 Philadelphia Mint Copper Two Cent Coin
$2.25
2 BidsTwo Cents | Coins & Paper Money | Coins: US |
630 Mint XF MNH 2¢ - White Plains Souvenir Sheet
$2.25
2 Bids1901-40: Unused | Stamps | United States |
Holed 1870 Two Cent Piece 2c Coin Old US Coin z183
$0.99
0 BidsTwo Cents | Coins & Paper Money | Coins: US |
Holed 1867 Two Cent Piece 2c Coin Old US Coin z182
$0.99
0 BidsTwo Cents | Coins & Paper Money | Coins: US |
1865 Two Cent Piece - Partial Motto Shows
$0.99
0 BidsTwo Cents | Coins & Paper Money | Coins: US |
Scott #528B 2 Cent MH Catalog Value $20.00
$2.00
0 Bids19th Century: Used | Stamps | United States |
1828 1/2 Cent Classic Head (G 4 BN) NGC
$12.50
3 BidsClassic Head (1809-36) | Coins & Paper Money | Coins: US | Half Cents |
#372 Hudson-Fulton 1909 Early Use 9/29 Brooklyn NY - New Haven CT
$19.50
0 BidsPostal History | Stamps | United States | Covers |
#372 Hudson-Fulton 1909 Early Use 9/28 New York NY to Germany
$29.50
0 BidsPostal History | Stamps | United States | Covers |
#372 Hudson-Fulton 1909 Early Use 9/28 New York NY to Brooklyn
$19.50
0 BidsPostal History | Stamps | United States | Covers |
E3 Special Delivery Boston MA 1894 to New York NY CV$200
$79.50
0 BidsPostal History | Stamps | United States | Covers |
1864 Philadelphia Mint Copper Two Cent Coin
$0.99
0 BidsTwo Cents | Coins & Paper Money | Coins: US |
The Two Cents coin, although short-lived, played a vital role during the Civil War and post-war years when small denomination coins were scarce. Its distinctive design, featuring the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST," reflects the patriotic sentiment of the era. The coin's historical significance lies in its contribution to alleviating the coinage crisis of the time and its role in the development of American coinage.
Two Cents coins are highly collectible today due to their historical importance and limited mintage. Collectors are drawn to this series for its connection to the Civil War period, its innovative design, and its relatively small number of surviving specimens. Some rare date and mintmark combinations within this series can be particularly valuable to numismatists and history enthusiasts alike.