U.S. Two Cent Piece (1864-1871) // Icons of American Coinage Series // Deluxe Display Box

The Two Cent Piece is a vintage American coin minted from 1864 to 1873. Today, they are seldom seen but are cherished by coin collectors and enthusiasts of American history alike. Offered here is a pleasant example hand-selected by professional numismatists after screening thousands of coins for quality and eye-appeal. Each coin is housed in an airtight capsule and presented in a plush-lined box with display easel, magnetic lid, and certificate of authenticity. The coin is unconditionally guaranteed to be genuine, dated between 1864 and 1871, and will match the quality of the one shown.

The two-cent piece was an unusual and short-lived coin first struck during the Civil War in 1864. With a large shield, arrows, and wreath dominating the obverse design, art historian Cornelius Vermeule considered the 2-cent piece "the most Gothic and the most expressive of the Civil War" of American coins. This coin is especially notable, as it is the first to bear the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. Reverend Mark R. Watkinson of Ridleyville, PA wrote a letter to President Chase in 1861 proposing that some reference to God be placed on America’s coinage during this dark time of war. Chase agreed and instructed the U.S. Mint Director to design a coin expressing this national recognition, writing “no nation can be strong except in the strength of God, or safe except in His defense.” The 2-cent piece was initially quite popular due to the lack of abundant metallic coinage in circulation secondary to public hoarding. However, demand dropped rapidly, and the coin was considered superfluous after the introduction of the nickel 5-cent piece in 1866.