1866 Two Cent Piece Value Guide

The 1866 Two Cent Piece is a significant Civil War-era bronze coin minted during a period of intense national coin hoarding. It holds a unique place in numismatic history as part of the first series to feature the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' on its obverse ribbon.

What affects the value of 1866 Two Cent Piece?

• The visibility of the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' on the ribbon significantly impacts the coin's market price.
• The presence of fine vertical lines within the shield, which are often the first details to wear down.
• Surface preservation, specifically the absence of corrosion or heavy scratches on the bronze planchet.
• The amount of original mint luster remaining, which can push values toward the higher end of the $40-$60 range.

How to Identify 1866 Two Cent Piece?

• Check the obverse for a large shield with a vertical-lined background and a laurel wreath border.
• Verify the date 1866 located directly below the shield on the obverse side.
• Look for the '2 CENTS' denomination centered within a wheat wreath on the reverse.
• Confirm the material is bronze, which typically develops a deep brown or reddish-brown patina over time.

History of 1866 Two Cent Piece

The Two Cent Piece was the first U.S. coin to bear the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST." Introduced in 1864 during the Civil War, it was a short-lived denomination, minted for only ten years until 1873. Its creation was partly a response to the coin shortage during the war, as people hoarded gold and silver coins, leading to the circulation of fractional currency and other stop-gap measures. Despite its historical significance, it never gained widespread popularity, contributing to its eventual discontinuation.