Two Sense or Two Cents: The Story Behind America’s First Coin with a Motto

My two cents worth meaning has more of an artistic meaning than a numismatic one. The phrase means an opportunity to express an opinion or give insignificant (or even misplaced) advice. However, the phrase is also a reference to the U.S. two-cent coin. The coin first appeared in 1864, becoming a symbol of a nation striving for unity and moral values in difficult times.

The most curious thing is that both the phrase and the coin have something in common. They both represent more than people can see with eyes. The face value of the two-cent coin may have been insignificant, but its appearance was of great importance to U.S. history. And the issuance of this small coin was coupled with the motto “In God We Trust,” which reflected the faith and hope for a better future for an entire nation during the Civil War.

The paradox is that both the coin itself and the idiom represent the idea of how something small and seemingly insignificant can have a big impact. And while the two-cent coin was minted for only 10 years, it managed to leave an indelible mark on American numismatics, and this two cents worth is many times larger than its original denomination. So here we would like to focus on the history, characteristics, cultural role and collector appeal of the coin to see why this coin deserves attention as much as the highly idiomatic “two cents” in conversation.

Design and Characteristics of the Two-Cent Coin

The two-cent coin appeared in one of the most difficult periods of American history - during the Civil War (1861-1865), little after the 1856 Eagle penny. At that time, the U.S. economy was in crisis, and the country was in dire need of a stable currency trusted by both citizens and the state. One such solution was the two-cent coin.

The design was created by James B. Longacre, chief engraver of the United States Mint. It was the first coin to bear the famous motto “In God We Trust,” symbolizing hope and unity as it was believed that everyone should have a reminder of their faith in times of need.

Main Parameters of the Coin:

Obverse Design:

The obverse of the coin shows a shield with the coat of arms of the United States and olive branches symbolizing peace. The shield is surrounded by a ribbon on which is placed the main motto “In God We Trust”. This was the first time in the history of U.S. coinage when a motto symbolizing the nation's religious beliefs was placed on a coin.

Reverse Design:

The reverse of the coin features a large numeral “2” representing the denomination, surrounded by a wreath of wheat. This simple but still elegant design highlights the clarity and significance of the coin, while the wreath is a symbol of wealth and prosperity.

What Makes the Coin Special?

This coin is characterized by a number of features that make it both an interesting specimen for collectors, as well as an important element in the history of American numismatics:

• As we mentioned earlier the two-cent piece was the first on which the motto “In God We Trust” was minted. Subsequently, the phrase became a standard and is present on most U.S. coins and banknotes.

• The motto also adds to the uniqueness of the coin, as there are two versions of the coin, i.e. pieces with Large Motto (the font is noticeably larger, taking up more space above the shield) and Small Motto (smaller font, more difficult to read). The Small Motto variant is less common, so its value on the numismatic market is higher, while the Large Motto became the standard, and it was the version in which the two-cent coin was minted before it was discontinued.

• The two-cent coin was minted for only 10 years, and by 1873 it was discontinued. The reason for this was the declining popularity of the coin and its real purchasing power.

Related article: 1921 D Mercury Dimes.

Minting Features and Materials

An interesting fact is that the two-cent coin was one of the few U.S. coins made almost entirely of copper. Its composition was chosen mainly because of the economy of production and the scarcity of other metals in war conditions. Against the background that many coins of the time were made of precious metals, the two-cent copper coin was notable for its affordability and utility.

This coin was one of the first coins to be withdrawn from circulation en masse at the end of the 19th century. Although its face value was small, the 1864 and 1865 two-cent pieces worth a lot as a symbol of the difficult times of the Civil War.

Today, the two-cent coin is an object of interest to collectors, especially those pieces minted in the first year (1864). These early issues and especially well-preserved specimens can be worth quite a bit.

The answer to the question "how much is a two cent coin worth" you can find in the table below. It includes rare and valuable two-cent coins that are of interest to modern collectors due to their historical significance and some peculiarities.

How to Find My Two Cents Worth a Fortune and Don’t Lose Them?

If you're looking to add a two-cent coin to your collection, there are a few key points to consider:

• Check the authenticity of the coin. Due to rarity and high value, some fakes can be found on the market. Contact reputable sellers and use modern applications such as Coin ID Scanner to scan coins, receive the main information and verify their authenticity.

• Focus on the 1864 and 1873 variants. These coins tend to have the highest value among collectors.

• Examine the coin condition and damage. Like a copper coin, the two-cent coin is subject to corrosion and damage. Note the presence of scratches, spots, and impact marks.

Just My Two Cents Or Sense of Something Important

Despite its short lifespan, the two-cent coin is still of interest to collectors, representing not just rarity but cultural value. And perhaps its value is more than metals or age, because sometimes a small detail can tell a whole story. My two cents meaning is not only about expressing an opinion, but also a reminder that seemingly insignificant things can have a huge meaning if you look at them from a different perspective.

Sources:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-cent_piece_(United_States)#Mintage_figures

2. https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/category/two-cent-1864-1873/670