The bronze two-cent piece answered Civil War-era small-change needs and introduced IN GOD WE TRUST to United States coinage, but survived as a denomination for only a decade.

This guide covers Philadelphia issues dated 1864–1873, including the 1864 motto types, final proof-only records, and cataloged restrike and doubled-die material.

Core specifications

Issue period
1864–1873
Catalog mints
1
Reported catalog mintage
45,577,100
Composition
95% Copper - 5% Tin and Zinc
Diameter
23 mm
Weight
6.22 g

A wartime denomination with a lasting inscription

Coin shortages and uncertainty over metal values encouraged a bronze denomination larger than the cent. James B. Longacre's shield design entered production in 1864.

The denomination did not win a permanent place in commerce, but its motto became the durable legacy. Later dates were made in sharply smaller numbers, and 1873 closes the regular series.

Obverse, reverse, and the details that identify the type

Confirm the major design, date, and mint mark before studying smaller die differences.

The main portrait and date

A Union shield fills the center beneath a ribbon reading IN GOD WE TRUST; the date sits below the wreath and crossed arrows.

Denomination, subject, and mint mark

A wheat wreath encloses the large numeral 2 and CENTS, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the rim.

Where the cataloged coins were made

Totals are calculated from reported issue records in this catalog; unknown figures are not counted as zero.

  • P — Philadelphia: 1864, 1865, 1866, 1867, 1868, 1869, 1870, 1871, 1872, 1873; 45,577,100. Philadelphia issues commonly carry no P mint mark in classic series; confirm the expected blank area rather than searching for a letter.

Representative issues that explain the series

Start with one readable bronze type coin, then compare the 1864 Small and Large Motto before attempting a full date set.

  • 1864 P - Small Motto — N/A. Open the issue page and read this record together with its type, mint, finish, and grade context.
  • 1864 P - Large Motto — 19,822,500. Open the issue page and read this record together with its type, mint, finish, and grade context.
  • 1872 P — 65,000. Open the issue page and read this record together with its type, mint, finish, and grade context.
  • 1873 P - Closed 3 - Proof Only — 600. Open the issue page and read this record together with its type, mint, finish, and grade context.
  • 1873 P - Open 3 - Restrike — 500. Open the issue page and read this record together with its type, mint, finish, and grade context.

Start with the major type, then study smaller die differences

The current catalog records 2 varieties. A variety name describes repeatable die features; it does not automatically mean error, rarity, or added value.

The issue catalog keeps all 2 modeled varieties attached to their parent issue records.

Issue catalog

1864 P Two Cent - Small Motto1864 P Two Cent - Large Motto1865 P Two Cent1866 P Two Cent1867 P Two Cent1868 P Two Cent1869 P Two Cent1870 P Two Cent1871 P Two Cent1872 P Two Cent1873 P Two Cent - Closed 3 - Proof Only1873 P Two Cent - Open 3 - Restrike

From one type coin to a complete catalog

  • One representative coin: Choose one problem-free, readable example and learn the size, edge, and major design.
  • Major-type set: Use one coin per major design to show changes in artwork, composition, or production.
  • Dates and mints: Work through the issue catalog by date and mint, defining special finishes separately.
  • Variety study: Choose one date or diagnostic family and record several matching markers for every attribution.

A note on catalog records

This page uses 12 issue records, 2 modeled varieties, and currently reported mintages; unknown values remain unknown.

Sources

  1. Circulating Coins and Past Denominations — United States Mint
  2. History of U.S. Circulating Coins — United States Mint
  3. Two Cent category reference — PCGS CoinFacts