– Two Cent (1864-1873)

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The Two Cent coin is a historic denomination issued by the United States Mint from 1864 to 1873. It was the first and only coin of its denomination in U.S. history. Here's an overview of the Two Cent coin:

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Design: The obverse (front) of the coin features a left-facing depiction of a laurel wreath enclosing the denomination "2 CENTS." The words "In God We Trust" are inscribed above the wreath.

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The reverse (back) typically depicts a large shield with a prominent "2" in the center, representing the coin's denomination. The motto "United States of America" appears above the shield, and the mintmark may appear below.

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Designer: The design of the Two Cent coin is attributed to James B. Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint at the time. Longacre's design reflects the patriotic sentiments prevalent during the Civil War era, with the inclusion of the motto "In God We Trust" and the prominent shield symbolizing national unity and strength.

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Metal Composition: The Two Cent coin was struck in an alloy of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. This composition was chosen to address the shortage of small denomination coins during the Civil War, as the traditional copper-nickel composition used for smaller denominations was needed for wartime purposes.

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Mintage: The mintage numbers for the Two Cent coin varied from year to year, with production levels influenced by factors such as demand for small denomination coins, economic conditions, and technological advancements in coin production.

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Historical Context: The issuance of the Two Cent coin occurred during a tumultuous period in American history, as the nation grappled with the challenges of the Civil War.

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The coin was introduced in 1864 to address the shortage of small denomination coins caused by hoarding and speculation during the war. It served as a practical solution to the coinage crisis while also expressing patriotic sentiments.

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Collector's Value: Due to their historical significance and limited mintage numbers, Two Cent coins are highly sought after by coin collectors and numismatists. Coins in good condition, particularly those with sharp details and attractive patina, can command significant premiums on the numismatic market.

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