Genuine United States Mint: 1864-1873 Two Cent Piece (50522) 

In 1864 the country was in turmoil and so was America’s coinage. As the civil war raged on, the half cent became obsolete and people horded Silver coins of larger denominations. By the Act of April 22, 1864, Congress introduced a new 2-cent coin struck of a new bronze metal. Though the 2-cent piece is one of the shortest-lived issues of United States coinage, it began a tradition that continues to this day. The motto”IN GOD WE TRUST’ appeared for the first time on the new coin. During World War I a new, 2-cent coin was proposed; it was backed by the American Newspaper Publisher’s Association when the price of newspapers doubled from one cent to two.

Specifications:
Designer: James R. Longacre
Years Issued: 1864-1873
Where Minted:  Philadelphia Mint
Diameter: 23mm; Weight: 6.22gms;
Composition: .950 Fine Copper .50 Tin and Zinc
Rarest Date: 1873