1864 Two Cent Piece
Base
About This Coin
The 1864 Two Cent Piece is a United States cent from the Two Cent Pieces 1864-1873 series — the first year of the series. In 1864, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 39.7 million. This represents the second-highest annual mintage in the series, above the series median of 2.2 million. The obverse features a shield with a banner inscribed IN GOD WE TRUST — the first U.S. coin to bear this motto and the reverse displays a wreath enclosing 2 CENTS. First year of the denomination and the first U.S. coin to bear IN GOD WE TRUST. The Small Motto variety, with thinner lettering, was produced in limited quantities before the bolder Large Motto replaced it. The Small Motto is the key to the series. Struck in bronze, weighing 6.22 grams, 23 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have cataloged 13 known die varieties for this date across 4 categories, including cud, mule die clash, radical mad die clash and 1 other types. Produced 9 years before the celebrated 1873 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $25 to $1.2K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $54K in PR65BN grade at Stack's Bowers. Designed by James Barton Longacre.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
