The two cent coin was produced in the United States from 1864-1873 with decreasing mintages throughout that time. The two cent piece was made of 95% copper with tin and zinc making up the remainder. It was very slightly smaller than a modern U.S. quarter. The two cent piece was designed by James B. Longacre, then an engraver employed by the mint.
The two cent piece of 1864 was the first coin of the United States to bear the national motto "In God We Trust." Note that this occurred during the hight of the Civil War when religious feelings were very prominent.
The obverse (so designated because it bears the date) has a shield with a ribbon over it bearing the motto, IN GOD WE TRUST. Behind the shield are two arrows, and a branch with leaves (most likely an olive branch).
The reverse has a wreath made up of several different plant components surrounding the words 2 CENTS. The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surround the wreath.
The design is similar to the shield nickel of the same period.
Two cent pieces were minted in both proof and regular issues. Although the proof mintages were normally smaller than the regular issue mintages, more proofs of high grade survive as they were always special collector coins.
The two cent piece was authorized by Congress on April 22, 1864.
While all two cent pieces are of the same type, many die varieties exist. The most significant of these are the Small Motto and Large Motto varieties of 1864. The Small Motto is more scarce and valuable. Doubled dies, die cracks and other mint errors are often encountered in this series.
