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The Two Cent Piece

United States 2 Cent Coins

of yesteryear

The American 2 Cent Coin was introduced during the later part of the Civil War. In 1864 Congress changed the composition of the Indian Head cent to 95% copper and at the same time authorized the minting of a new Two Cent coin. It was thought that 2 cent coins would serve a purpose in commerce. However, the public did not take to the idea of using them. (The public gave a similar negative response to using the Susan B Anthony dollar when it was introduced in 1979.)

Because of a lack of public interest these two cent copper pieces were only produced for a few years. Minted from 1864 to 1873. The results were some years with low mintages, a few varieties, and a melting of some coins by the United States government.

The first US coin with

In God We Trust on it.

The Civil War and its turmoil brought a renewed awakening of religious interest to Americans. Partially because of this, the 2 Cent coins enjoy the distinction of being the first US coins to feature “In God We Trust” on them.

Most United States Coins feature a portrait of someone or a figure on the front. The 2 cent pieces are different. They show a “shield” on the front and the words “2 Cents” surrounded by a wreath on the reverse.

Other facts about U.S. 2 Cent coins:

Designer – James B Longacre (the same mint designer who designed the Indian Cent)
Weight about 6.21 grams
23mm in diameter (almost the size of today’s quarter)
Composition is 95% copper and 5% tin/zinc
All two cent coins were only minted at the Philadelphia United States government mint and do not show a mint mark.

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