Two Cent Piece

Designer: James B. Longacre. Diameter: 23mm. Composition: Bronze Alloy (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc). Weight: 6.22 grams. Edge: Plain.
Minted: 1864-1873. Total Circulation Minted: 45,601,000. Total Proofs Minted: 15,000 estimated.
Obverse: Shield. Reverse: Number 2 with wreath.


The two cent piece made its debut in 1864, when it was authorized by Congress on April 22nd of the same year through the Coinage Act. Patterns of the two cent piece date as far back as 1836, but at the time there was no interest in the denomination. Almost twenty million coins (19,847,500) were struck the first year and mintage numbers declined until the coin was eliminated in 1873 by the Coinage Act along with silver three cent pieces and the half-dime.

Made in bronze, an alloy which is composed of 95% copper, and the remaining 5% composed of tin and zinc, the coin was the first ever to have the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' on a circulation coin.

In 1872 only sixty five thousand coins were minted, and in 1873, the last year of the series, only proofs were struck for collectors.

When looking for a choice example of a two cent piece, check the horizontal shield lines on the obverse, and also the leaf quality. On the reverse, check the wreath details and the lettering on the border.
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