The Two Cent Piece

Originally proposed in 1806 by a Connecticut senator by the name of Uriah Tracy, the Two Cent piece was in circulation from 1864 to 1872.

Designed by James B. Longacre, this coin featured a shield with the motto, “In God We Trust” on the obverse and a wreath of wheat surrounding the number 2 on the reverse.

Initially, the Two Cent piece was a very popular coin, but it was quickly surpassed in popularity by coins like the Three Cent piece and the nickel

In 1864 19,822,500 of these Two Cent pieces were minted, but each year there were less and less made until 1872 when only 65,000 Two Cent pieces were minted.

This coin is a great coin to collect though as there is a wide range of grades and prices available, and it is kind of cool to think about how many hands this coin has passed through over the years.