The Two Cent Piece

The U.S. mints production of the two cent piece was an important part of history. It was designed during a time when people were hoarding every coin they could get their hands on. This was shortly after the Civil War. Production of these coins began in 1864, and continued with decreasing popularity until 1873.

People were really uncertain of the monetary situation in America and this offered a coin that was lighter in weight and of a small enough value to be used in everyday trade. The front of the coin displayed a shield and ribbon bearing the motto "In God We Trust." This was the first coin produced to bear that motto.

The back of the coin displayed a wreath of different plants surrounding the words "2 cents." The wreath was surrounded by the words "United States Of America." There were two types of these coins minted, a proof mint and a regular mint. The proof mints were slightly smaller and made of a higher grade of metals.

The first year of production, there were two different varieties of this coin minted. One was the large motto version, that continued throughout production. The other was a small motto version that became a specialty collector’s item, and tends to show faults, cracks and other minting errors. These have a much higher value, as they are rarer to find.

Between the new motto, and the change in how people spent their money, the minting of the two cent piece was a very important part of minting history.