We also have a two cent piece grading forum to help you establish a grade for your two cent piece. I had planned on putting it in my dansco book with both sides viewable. This coin is one of the shortestlived issues in the history of the united states mint. In the past, that idea had been a major problem for the twocent piece, as there were already problems with the size of the large cent. At the time, it was the first american coin to feature the. Usa coin book an easy and simple way to buy, sell, auction off and keep track of coins online.
To quickly understand some of the differences that gives the 2 cent coin value, as well as all coins, visit rare coin dealer sites. The idea of a twocent piece dates back many years earlier. The specialty books on the subject by flynn 1994 and kliman 1977. Make offer 1865 2 cent piece 2c visible we two cents great details damaged type coin g06 1864 twocent piece small motto graded pcgs looks better. The value will can increase if the coin is certified and graded by a reputable grading service. According to carothers, the coinage of a 2 cent piece was unnecessary. The coin overall appears to have been corroded pretty bad then cleaned. As the lowest denomination circulating coin issued, the cent, also known as the penny, was the first coin along with half cents struck by the u.
A brief history of the american cent united states mint. Though the reduced size cent wasnt approved, the dickinson threecent coin was reconsidered and finally authorized by the act of march 3, 1851. Keep reading to find out more about the storied history of the american cent. Dec 02, 20 186473 two cents from a practical standpoint, the two cent piece was one of the least successful coins in u. There was no mention of the denomination back in 1792 when the first coins of the united states were authorized, but in 1806, a member of congress actually proposed a two cent coin made of billon, an alloy of copper and silver which was being used in europe at the time. This dansco supreme coin album displays three cent and 20 cent pieces minted between 1851 and 1876. Lincoln cents are typically collected by date and mintmark, and over the years, three major reverse designs were used.
Please contact ngc customer service with any questions. The most common date found for the two cent piece is 1864. The 2 cent piece occupies an interesting position among all us coins for the collector. Look up coin prices and values to see how much your collection is worth.
In fact, the idea for a two cent piece had been around for some time. The united states mint produced it for only 10 years, and each year the mintage declined, reflecting steadily falling public interest in the coin. During that period of time, the prevailing belief and custom was that all coins should be comprised of their equivalent worth in precious metals. The american civil war, money, banking, and religion provides a good history of the series. This page also shows coins listed for sale so you can buy and sell.
As the lowest denomination circulating coin issued, the cent, also known as the. The halfcent piece was made of 100% copper and was valued at five milles, or one twohundredth of a dollar. Detailed information about the coin 2 cents english legend, south africa, south africa, with pictures and collection and swap management. The idea of the twocent coin was first thought of in the early 1800s by a connecticut senator. The other major events in the history of the lincoln cent concerned its metallic composition. As far as coins go, the two cent coin was produced for only a limited amount of time. Twocent pieces, a shortlived series, were issued from 1864 through 1873. If you want to get to know me on a personal level, check my true life book and see what challenges i had to overcome as. The best of pawn stars american onecent coin is neither. The obverse heads shows the image of president abraham lincoln used on the penny since 1909. One cent coins and half cents were the first coins struck for. Shop our huge inventory of precious metals products and accessories.
The two cent coin was first introduced with decimal currency on 14 february 1966. I can hold my coin and magnifying glass and glance back and forth to the book. In 1909, teddy roosevelt introduced the lincoln cent to commemorate the 100year anniversary of the 16th u. Oct 24, 2018 a 2 cent 1955 caribbean elizabeth the second coin. The 2cent piece occupies an interesting position among all us coins for the collector. Features 2 removable pages with a total of 25 coin ports visible from both sides and protected with acetate. The 2cent piece came into being in 1864 partially to offset the severe shortage of 1cent coins, and was a part of the act of april 22, 1864, that created the small bronze cent in that year. From a practical standpoint, the two cent piece was one of the least successful coins in u. Further, it would simplify transactions in everyday commerce.
First authorized by the coinage act of 1792 on april 2, 1792, the coin was produced in the united states from 1793 to 1857. The odd series set two cent pieces are frequently collected along with the other odd type coin the three cent piece. Find the current two cent values by year, coin varieties, and specific grade. Reflecting the thenprevalent view that coins should contain their value in metal, tracys bill provided that the twocent piece be made of billon, or debased silver. Get the best deal for us two cents from the largest online selection at. A twocent piece had been proposed in 1806 by connecticut senator uriah tracy, along with a twentycent piece or double dime.
Next, judge condition of your coin by comparing to images and descriptions. Our flagship titles have been the bibles of the hobby since 1942 the blue book and 1946 the red book. In 1948, benjamin franklins likeness was placed on the obverse and the liberty bell on the reverse. The authoritative reference on two cent pieces 2020 red book guide book of united states coins. The prices listed in our database are intended to be used as an indication only. You will find a lot of information below such as mintages, specifications, and images. How to grade 2 cents shield us coins photo grade chart. When it comes to collecting the 1864 twocent piece, collectors are concerned with the grade of the coin. With production beginning during a severe circulating coin shortage, it was initially well received, but as other denominations of coinage made their appearances, the 2cent piece quickly fell out of favor. It expands on his previous work getting your two cents worth, and includes all of the material from that book. Usa coin book 1 valley coin 247 victorian rare coin 6 vt coins 42 west coast coins oregon 16. The front is in good to very good condition but the back was pitted so bad none of the 2 cents is even there anymore.
While not extremely difficult to find, some rarer varieties of this coin do exist. This is just a guide to give you an idea of what your coin might grade. This is a detailed look at the history of the lincoln cent and includes details about. Complete the value process with insights to special qualities and determine how much half cents are worth. You ll learn how the history of the developing nation shaped the coins. Mint coin to bear religious motto by michele orzano coin world staff the civil war brought lots of hardship to citizens on both sides of the conflict. This was actually struck in 1791, as the date indicates, in. For the twocent piece, it was decided that the coin would be comprised of 95% copper and 5% zinctin. Also showing coins for sale in our database for the type two cents items. The two cent piece was produced by the mint of the united states for circulation from 1864 to 1872 and for collectors in 1873. William bierlys book for whitman publishing titled in god we trust.
A 2 cent 1955 caribbean elizabeth the second coin youtube. While it was popular at first because of the great public demand for metallic small change, it was a superfluous denomination, and its circulation waned rapidly after the 5 cent nickel coin was introduced. Two cent coins were produced by the royal australian mint, the royal mint melbourne branch, the royal mint perth branch, and the royal mint, llantrisant. The value will be lower if the coin is damaged or cleaned in any way. The reason for this is due to the fact that a coin grade is an expertderived determination of the coins condition. Jun 24, 2019 welcome back today i am continuing the new. Us coin facts us mint sets us proof sets us pattern coins us coin grading us coin history us commemorative history us paper money facts.
Ngc makes the world coin price guide available to its website visitors as a free service, but in no way does the information provided represent ngcs official opinion or policy. This page is dedicated exclusively to the 1864 two cent piece. History from 1794 to 1947, the half dollar, like many coins of the time, was made of silver and decorated with an allegorical image that symbolized liberty on the obverse. Dansco coin album for collecting three cent silver and twenty cent pieces. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. Cent albums coin supplies coin collecting supplies coin. American onecent coin is neither american nor a coin. Com in 2009, to mark the bicentennial of lincolns birth and the centennial of the cent, a series of four commemorative reverse. It was not recorded in the article i read whether or not the lessons of history were part of the congressional debate. Connect with dealers, other coin collectors and put coins up on your wishlist look up coin prices and values and ask for coins on your wishlist to make offers for.
As ron guth and jeff garrett note in their book, united states. Be sure to visit our two cent piece forum if you need help. While the coin was used primarily for circulation purposes, mint year 1873 was produced with collectors in mind. The original reverse design of the frillnecked lizard has not been changed since the introduction. Whitmans coin boards, folders, and albums have organized and displayed hundreds of thousands of coin collections for generations. No matter what youre looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options.
In 1943, during the critical wwii period, zinccoated steel was used. The authoritative reference on two cent coins is very good, and a must book for anyone who is going to collect the series. The coin is in raw uncertified condition and is a very nice coin. The 2 cent piece came into being in 1864 partially to offset the severe shortage of 1 cent coins, and was a part of the act of april 22, 1864, that created the small bronze cent in that year. A guide book of united states paper money, 6th edition. We take pride in providing the most accurate coin values and stats online. Yeomans 2018 edition of a guide book of united states coins lists the 1864. Generations of coin collectors have grown up with the lincoln cent. The shield on the reverse tails represents lincolns preservation of the united states as a single country. Longacre, there were decreasing mintages each year, as other minor coins such as the nickel proved more popular. The advantage, it was said, was that a twocent piece would alleviate the production demands made for lincoln cents. This coin needs to be seen for an accurate assessment. Design, wheat wreath, united states of america legend, 2 cents in center. Dansco large cents coin coin albumthis dansco supreme album proudly displays large cents minted between 1793 and 1857 within 7 removable pages with 112 coin ports 16 per page visible from both sides and protected with acetate.
A guide book of half cents and large cents, 1st edition the. Aug 17, 2009 the advantage, it was said, was that a twocent piece would alleviate the production demands made for lincoln cents. From 1856 to 1864, the cent was a coppernickel alloy slightly thicker than the presentday cent. Discover half cent values step by step, covering accurate identity of date and variety. Apr 24, 2012 this coin needs to be seen for an accurate assessment. Even keep track of your coin collection in an online database.
The two cent coin was produced by the united states mint from 1864 to 1873. Cdn publishing, llc does not buy or sell collectible coins or currency and users are strongly encouraged to seek multiple sources of pricing before making a final determination of value. Since the face value exceeded the bullion value, the coin was sure to stay in circulation. With production beginning during a severe circulating coin shortage, it was initially well received, but as other denominations of coinage made their appearances, the 2 cent piece quickly fell out of favor. The twocent piece was produced by the mint of the united states for circulation from 1864 to. For example, varieties listed in the world coin price guide may not necessarily be recognized by ngc. The union shield theme is the current design of the u. In the mid1850s, with the introduction of a flying eagle cent, the old idea that a coin had to be worth close to its face value in the metal it contained was finally put to rest. Two cent 186x us two 2 cent piece first coin with in god we trust motto 355. How to grade 2 cents shield 2 cents us coins, compare you 2 cents coins with our images to find the grade of you coin.