Numismatists have long been fascinated by the 1867 two cent piece. With its unique design and interesting history, it's no wonder that this coin has gained so much attention over the years. The rarity of these coins makes them a collector's item for anyone interested in numismatics.
In this article we'll be exploring the origin and significance of this special coin.
The two cent piece was first minted in 1864 as part of an attempt to reduce counterfeiting practices at the time. At the same time, they also introduced fractional currency notes into circulation, which were known as 'fractionals.'
However, despite their popularity with collectors, many people found using fractional notes too complicated and inconvenient compared to regular coins. This led to Congress authorizing a new two-cent piece in 1866; however, due to delays in production, the coins weren't released until 1867 - hence why they are referred to as '1867 two cents'.
History Of The Two Cent Piece
The two cent piece was first minted in the United States during 1864. It was a small, bronze coin featuring the American shield on one side and ‘Two Cents’ inscribed with an olive branch encircling it on the other.
This new denomination of currency had been proposed by Secretary of Treasury Salmon P. Chase as part of the Civil War taxation effort to fund war expenses more quickly. The two cent coins were immediately popular due to their uncommon size and unusual appearance compared to other denominations already being produced at this time.
In 1865, Congress granted permission for a five cent nickel piece that would eventually take over from the two cent piece in circulation. In short order, production of the latter began declining until its eventual discontinuation after only twelve years in production, making it one of the shortest running US coins ever struck.
Even so, almost 80 million pieces were made between 1864-1873 before they stopped being printed altogether. The demand for these coins has increased steadily since then among numismatists - collectors who specialize in rare or old coins - due to their low mintage run and distinct design features that make them stand out among other coins that circulated during this period.
They are now highly sought after by coin enthusiasts all around the world which has led to significant appreciation in value over recent times.
Design Of The 1867 Two Cent Piece
The 1867 Two Cent Piece is an absolute masterpiece of American numismatic history! It was the first coin to feature the phrase 'In God We Trust' on its obverse, and it still stands today as a symbol of faith in America.
From the moment it was released into circulation, it has been one of the most sought-after coins among collectors.
The design of this two cent piece is also unique compared to other U.S. coins at the time, featuring a shield with a prominent eagle atop it surrounded by thirteen stars representing each state in the Union at that time.
The reverse side features a wreath surrounding TWO CENTS encircled by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
This simple yet elegant design makes this coin truly stand out from others in its era - no wonder why so many people desire to own one for their collection!
It's easy to see why this rare coin commands such attention even after more than 150 years since its creation – not only does it represent historical significance but its design speaks volumes about America’s values then and now.
Truly an iconic work of art!
Rarity Of The 1867 Two Cent Piece
The 1867 Two Cent Piece is an interesting example of United States coinage, and its design presents a unique opportunity to explore the history of numismatics.
The obverse features a shield with 13 stars above it representing the original colonies, as well as the inscription 'IN GOD WE TRUST'. On the reverse side is a wreath encircling two small cents symbols on either side of the date.
It was minted from 1864 to 1873 in Philadelphia and San Francisco, though only about 5 million were ever made in total – making it relatively rare today.
To understand why this coin is so difficult to come by these days one must look back at its production during its mintage period.
During this time there was not much demand for coins like the two cent piece due to their low purchasing power compared to other denominations such as quarters or half-dollars.
This lack of interest caused many people simply not to bother collecting them, resulting in fewer surviving examples that are still available today.
Additionally, since they contained more copper than silver they became targets for melting down which further reduced their availability over time.
This scarcity has had some positive effects however; it's rarity makes it highly sought after by collectors who appreciate its historical significance and symbolic representation of our nation’s early days.
Its value has increased steadily over time and can range anywhere between $50-$200 depending on condition and grade – far higher than its face value when originally issued!
Thus, while few may have paid attention when it first appeared more than 150 years ago, the 1867 Two Cent Piece remains an important part of American numismatic culture today.
Buying/Selling 1867 Two Cent Pieces
The two cent piece is a coin of great significance in American numismatic history. Often considered to be the first official bronze coin, it was released by the United States Mint on April 21st 1864 and remained in circulation until 1873.
For those looking to get involved in collecting these pieces, there are several things worth considering before buying or selling them.
When assessing an 1867 two-cent piece, one should pay particular attention to its condition. Even minor imperfections can significantly reduce the value of such coins, so any signs of wear, tear or damage should be noted prior to making a purchase decision.
Further, you'll want to check that all lettering and design elements remain clear and visible as this too will have an impact on your investment potential over time.
Furthermore, due diligence also applies when examining authenticity and provenance – if possible verify where a coin has come from with respect to who handled it and under what circumstances it changed hands. As with any type of rare collectible item, understanding the story behind each specific specimen is essential for both buyers and sellers alike.
Collecting 1867 Two Cent Pieces
The 1867 two cent piece is an important part of American numismatic history. It was the first U.S. coin to feature the motto 'In God We Trust,' and it marked a period of significant growth in production from private mints and companies.
Collecting these coins can be highly rewarding, as each specimen has its own unique characteristics that make it desirable for collectors. When seeking out examples of this particular type, there are several key factors to consider such as condition, rarity, eye appeal, surface quality, strike quality, toning, luster, and overall grade. Each of these elements affects the value of any individual example greatly—the better preserved specimens will fetch higher premiums than those with more wear or damage.
For advanced collectors looking for special pieces to add to their collection, there are some rare varieties available which command even greater prices due to their increased scarcity. To identify whether one has come across a rare variety requires knowledge of the specifics associated with design differences on certain issues; however, given the right expertise it can be done successfully.
Ultimately, locating and collecting 1867 two cent pieces should provide any collector with hours of rewarding pleasure – not just in terms of acquiring them but also learning about them too!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is An 1867 Two Cent Piece Worth?
A two cent piece, like a puzzle box of numismatic treasure, can be worth many times its weight in gold. An 1867 two cent piece is no exception; it has the potential to bring joy and financial reward to any collector who manages to get their hands on one.
This coin was minted during a period when copper-nickel coins were being produced by the US Mint and therefore holds an important place in American history. Its value depends on condition but is typically considered quite valuable with even circulated examples selling for hundreds of dollars or more depending on grade.
What Are The Differences Between The 1867 Two Cent Piece And Other Two Cent Pieces?
As a numismatist, I'm often asked about the differences between two cent pieces.
Two cent coins were first introduced in 1864 and remained in circulation until 1873.
The most obvious difference is the design: the obverse of an 1867 two cent coin features a shield with thirteen vertical stripes representing the original colonies while later issues feature a laurel wreath.
In addition to this change, there are also variations in size, thickness and composition across different years of issue.
For example, earlier issues have thicker rims than those issued after 1870.
Finally, certain years may be more valuable due to rarity or grade; for instance an uncirculated 1871 two cent piece can be worth up to $200!
Are There Any Special Features To Look For When Inspecting An 1867 Two Cent Piece?
Little do many know, there is an interesting feature to look for when inspecting a two cent piece. Irony of all ironies - it’s not the size or shape that makes this particular coin special; instead, it's the date!
If you happen upon an 1867 two cent piece, consider yourself lucky – and be sure to examine it closely. This rare coin was struck in limited numbers due to the Coinage Act of 1864, making it highly sought after by numismatists everywhere.
With its distinct mintage year, this two cent piece is truly one-of-a-kind!
Are There Any Counterfeit 1867 Two Cent Pieces In Circulation?
It is important for numismatists to understand the potential of counterfeit 1867 two cent pieces being in circulation.
While some may be difficult to detect, there are certain features that can help you identify a fake coin.
These include looking at the metal composition, checking for signs of wear and tear, and examining any inscriptions or letters on the coin's surface.
Additionally, with rarer coins like an 1867 two cent piece it might be worth consulting a professional numismatist as they have experience in determining authenticity.
Is An 1867 Two Cent Piece A Good Investment?
Investing in numismatics can be a wise decision, and the 1867 two cent piece is no exception.
It's an iconic coin that has been sought after for centuries due to its rarity and aesthetic appeal.
While other coins may have higher value in terms of monetary worth, investing in this particular example of currency will not only yield financial benefits but also gain you recognition among collectors as it stands out from the crowd.
Conclusion
As a numismatist, I can confidently say that the 1867 two cent piece is an interesting and valuable coin.
One statistic that stands out to me is its rarity—only 1 in 10 million people own one!
With a current value of around $160 USD, it's definitely worth taking a closer look at this iconic coin.
I encourage anyone interested in collecting coins to do their research before investing in any type of two cent pieces or other collectible coins.
By inspecting each individual coin carefully and researching its history, you'll be able to determine if it's a good addition to your collection or not.