Rarely do people pay attention to the smallest denomination coins, and they may not even know how important they are. In this case, we have the 1864 2 Cent Small Motto, FS-401, MS66 Red PCGS.
This coin sold at an auction on August 16, 2018, and the price was crazy high. Pro Coin Grading Services says on their website that it was worth $78,000.00.
When was this 2-cent coin authorized?
This 2-cent piece was made possible by a new law that went into effect in April 1864. The Mint Director, James Pollock, was given the job of making it. It did, of course, get the appropriate OK from the Treasury Secretary at the time.
You must be wondering why this two-cent coin is so valuable right now. Without a doubt, it has been kept in great shape. The phrase “In GOD WE TRUST” was first used on this piece, which is one of the most important things about it.
Thus, this phrase was first used on U.S. coins, and it was on this 2 cent piece. This piece actually became famous and useful for business back then. Without a question, it was the right size and weight (6.22 grams, 23.00 mm). Besides that, the theme was also very well received.
2 different types of the 2-cent pieces
It is made of copper (95%), tin and zinc (5%), and air (5%). This is not what makes them different. PCGS says that there were two kinds. The Philadelphia Mint made two of them. One has a Large Motto and the other has a Small Motto.
That is why the letters in the saying “IN GOD WE TRUST” were not all the same size in both copies. In fact, the first one had a Small Motto, but a Large Motto was added later.
Because of this, it was used as a model for the rest of the two-cent type’s years. In fact, the Large Motto is the one that you see most often. You should check to see if you have one now!