About the Coin

The Two Cent piece was struck from 1864 through 1873. The coin was only minted at the Philadelphia mint. In 1864, the Two Cent piece became the first coin to display the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. The motto apparently came about due to an increase in religious sentiment during the Civil War.

The small motto variety gave way to the large motto variety in 1864 making the mintage unknown. Based on the premium over the large motto, the small motto is obviously much scarcer.

The Two Cent piece in The Arlington Collection is housed in an old small sized PCGS holder having been graded over a decade ago.

Designer: James B. Longacre
Weight: 6.22 grams
Diameter: approx. 23mm, plain edge
Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc