The two-cent piece was struck for circulation from 1864 through 1873. Designed by James B. Longacre, the obverse shows a shield with two arrows and a wreath, and a ribbon above reading IN GOD WE TRUST — the first appearance of that motto on any United States coin. The reverse carries the denomination 2 CENTS within an open wreath, surrounded by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Introduced to ease the coin shortage of the Civil War era and to replace two individual cents, the denomination was struck in large numbers in its first two years, after which mintages fell steadily until 1873, when only Proofs were made for collectors. Early dates (1864–1869) are readily collectible in circulated grades; fully original red Uncirculated coins are elusive. Recognized rarities include the 1864 Small Motto, the 1867 Doubled Die obverse, the 1869/8 overdate, and the Proof-only 1873.
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