The Two Cent Piece: Civil War Era Innovation

The Two Cent piece, minted from 1864 to 1873, holds the distinction of being the first U.S. coin to bear the motto "In God We Trust." This short-lived denomination was introduced during the Civil War when coin shortages plagued the economy. Made of bronze, it featured a shield design on the obverse. The denomination proved redundant once the economy stabilized and was discontinued after less than a decade, making these coins a fascinating piece of Civil War-era numismatic history.

Historical Context

The Civil War created severe coin shortages as citizens hoarded precious metal coins. The government needed new denominations made of less valuable metals to keep commerce flowing. The Two Cent piece was created as part of this solution.

Design Features

Obverse (Front)

• Shield design representing Union strength
• "In God We Trust" motto above the shield - a first for U.S. coinage
• Date below the shield
• Crossed arrows behind the shield

Reverse (Back)

• Wheat wreath encircling the denomination "2 CENTS"
• "United States of America" around the rim

Specifications

• Years Minted: 1864-1873
• Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc (bronze)
• Diameter: 23mm
• Weight: 6.22 grams
• Edge: Plain

Varieties and Key Dates

1864 Small Motto vs. Large Motto

The first year saw two varieties. The Small Motto variety is scarce with thin letters in "In God We Trust." The Large Motto variety, introduced mid-year, has thicker, more prominent letters and is more common.

Most Valuable Dates

• 1864 Small Motto: The scarcest regular issue
• 1872: Low mintage of only 65,000
• 1873 Closed 3 and Open 3: Final year varieties, both scarce
• 1871: Relatively low mintage

Collecting Two Cent Pieces

Complete Set

With only 10 years of production, assembling a complete date set is achievable for many collectors. The challenge lies in finding high-grade examples, as these coins circulated heavily.

Grade Considerations

Two Cent pieces are often found in lower grades due to extensive circulation. The shield design shows wear quickly, particularly on the horizontal lines. Coins in AU and Mint State are considerably more valuable.

Strike Quality

Look for strong strikes with full detail in the shield lines and wheat heads. Weak strikes are common and reduce value even in higher grades.

Historical Significance

"In God We Trust"

The Two Cent piece's most enduring legacy is introducing the national motto "In God We Trust" to U.S. coinage. This motto would eventually appear on all American coins and remains today.

Civil War Connection

These coins represent the economic challenges of the Civil War era. Their introduction during wartime and brief existence afterward make them tangible pieces of this crucial period in American history.

Why the Denomination Failed

After the Civil War, the coin shortage eased and the economy stabilized. The Two Cent piece became redundant alongside the cent and the newly introduced nickel three cent piece. Declining mintages throughout the 1860s led to discontinuation in 1873.

Market and Value

Two Cent pieces are popular type coins, meaning many collectors acquire one for their type set without pursuing a complete date collection. Common dates in average circulated condition are affordable, while key dates and high-grade specimens command significant premiums.