How to collect two-cent pieces ?
The law that changed the weight and metal composition of the small cent in 1864 also created a two-cent piece, an odd denomination that really never caught on and that ended less than ten years later. The twocent piece has the distinction of being the first U.S. coin to bear the inscription In God We Trust. The front of the coin features a Union shield, a popular, patriotic image during the Civil War. The caption that usually accompanied the Union shield (but which did not appear on the coins) was The Union — It Must and Shall Be Preserved.
A collection of two-cent pieces makes a great conversation piece, especially when you show it to non-collectors, most of whom haven't the faintest clue that the United States made such a "funny" denomination. Of course, the fact that you have several of them will make you seem really cool.
By type:
- Difficulty rating: Extremely easy. Two-cent pieces were minted with only one design type.
- Cost estimate: Inexpensive. A fine two-cent piece costs around $30; Uncirculated examples sell for less than a hundred dollars.
By date:
- Difficulty rating: Easy. Every date in this series is available and affordable. The 1872 can be tough to find, and you may have to hunt for the 1873 (which was struck only in proof condition).
- Cost estimate: Moderately expensive. In Fine condition, a complete set of two-cent pieces costs approximately $2,500; although we've never seen or heard of a Fine 1873 (just buy a proof). A nice set of Uncirculated and proof two-cent pieces can cost upward of $5,000. Expect to pay a big premium for coins that have a lot of their original red color.
By die variety:
- Difficulty rating: Easy to moderately difficult. In 1864, In God We Trustappeared in two versions — one small and the other slightly larger. The small-motto version is extremely popular and is a musthave variety. On the 1873 two-cent pieces, the 3 is either open and looks like a normal 3 or closed and looks more like an 8 at first glance. As in other series, minor varieties can add a nice diversion.
- Cost estimate: Expect to spend $250 for a fine 1864 small motto and $1,100 to $1,500 for the extra 1873 variety.
Questions and Answers
Because money is a limiting factor, no matter how much of it you have, figure out how much you want to budget for your collection, and then decide where to spend it. Here are some suggestions for interesting and challenging ways to collect coins:
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