1870 Two Cent Patterns

About This Coin

Produced at the Philadelphia Mint within the Standard Silver Patterns (1870), the 1870 Two Cent Patterns emerged during a year of significant monetary experimentation when the Mint explored comprehensive design and compositional changes. By 1870, the two-cent piece was declining in popularity — the public preferred the cent and nickel for small transactions, and the denomination's days were numbered (discontinued by the Coinage Act of 1873). The obverse retains James Barton Longacre's shield design with the IN GOD WE TRUST banner — the motto this denomination pioneered in 1864 and since adopted on additional denominations. The reverse displays a wreath enclosing 2 CENTS. A notable result of $19K in PR65+ grade at Heritage Auctions reflects continued collector interest despite the denomination's diminishing commercial role. The 1870 patterns coincide with the broader Standard Silver program testing new designs and compositions for potential coinage reform, placing the two-cent piece within a comprehensive evaluation of the entire American denominational structure. For collectors, the 1870 Two Cent Patterns capture a denomination in twilight — still in production but under the legislative scrutiny that would end its existence within three years.