The 1868 two cent piece is one of the most popular coins among numismatists. It was produced from 1864 to 1873, and is a great example of how U.S. coinage has evolved over time. As such, it's an important part of any collection - both for its beauty and historical significance.
This article will explore the history and design of the 1868 two cent piece in detail, including why it remains so sought-after by collectors today. We'll also take a look at some of the rarer varieties that command higher prices on the market.
Read on to learn more about this fascinating coin!
History Of The 1868 Two Cent Piece
The 1868 Two Cent Piece has a long and storied history that fascinates numismatists across the world. Its unique design, featuring the shield of the United States on one side with the words 'In God We Trust,' was a remarkable innovation at its time.
The other side featured an image of a wreath encircling both the date and denomination of the coin. One interesting feature of this particular piece is its rarity. It is believed to be one of only three two cent pieces minted in 1868, making it highly valuable to collectors today.
Moreover, these coins were desired by some for their symbolic significance; they represented unity as well as trust in God during a tumultuous period in American history. Today, owning an 1868 Two Cent Piece can make any collector proud due to its historical importance and scarce availability.
As such, it continues to hold a special place among those who study currency from all corners of the globe.
Design Of The 1868 Two Cent Piece
The 1868 Two Cent Piece was designed by James Longacre, who also created the Indian Head Penny.
The obverse of the coin features a union shield with curved stripes on top and vertical stripes along the sides. Above the shield is an oak wreath tied with ribbon at its base, while beneath it is the date “1868” in Roman numerals.
On the reverse side is a large denomination numeral '2' surrounded by a laurel wreath and rimmed with stars around its circumference.
Unlike other coins from this era, there are no mottos or national symbols featured on either side of this two-cent piece; however, some variants do exist that feature slight design differences such as various sizes of letters and numbers on both sides.
Additionally, some examples have been found to display double lines surrounding each letter or number which can be attributed to die polishing or rusting – these minor variations may help distinguish certain specimens from others when grading or collecting them.
This iconic two-cent piece has become widely popular among collectors due to its unique shape and classic designs that evoke American patriotism.
It serves as an important reminder for those interested in United States history and culture about how far our country has come since then.
Rarity And Values Of The 1868 Two Cent Piece
Minting the 1868 two cent piece was a complex process; the obverse features a shield with a scroll inscribed 'In God We Trust', while the reverse features the denomination encircled by a wreath of oak and laurel.
Its rarity is due to its short-lived production, with only 7,140,000 pieces minted in total.
This makes it a highly sought-after coin, with one of the finest specimens being valued at over $1000.
Collectors of numismatics often search diligently for this coin as it is quite the collector's item.
Variations of the 1868 two cent piece exist, such as the proof edition, making them even more desirable.
This coin's value continues to rise as its rarity increases, making it an interesting and exciting coin to collect.
Minting Process
The minting process of the 1868 Two Cent Piece is an incredible feat of engineering and craftsmanship. It's amazing to think that such a small coin, no larger than twenty-five millimeters in diameter, could be created with such precision and detail.
This two cent piece was struck at various United States Mints between 1864 and 1873 - though it had been authorized by Congress since 1862. The dies were prepared on both sides; firstly the obverse or ‘head’ side featuring the profile of Liberty wearing her coronet or cap inscribed with LIBERTY, with thirteen stars around the border representing each original state. On the reverse or ‘tail’ side features a wreath encircling a pair of Roman style numerals 2C indicating its denomination as well as UNITED STATES OF AMERICA along the top perimeter.
All coins for circulation went through several steps including preparation of blanks, striking and finally cleaning before being released into circulation. Each step adds to not only its collectability but also increases its value when one considers rarity versus price point for any given date & number combination!
Rarity
Rarity is a key factor when it comes to the value of any coin, and the 1868 Two Cent Piece is no different. This coin was minted for just nine years - from 1864 to 1873 - making it relatively scarce compared to other coins with longer mintage periods.
In addition, many specimens were lost or damaged over time due to wear and tear as well as general circulation during its run, further decreasing their number in existence today. Its rarity makes it highly sought after by collectors who are willing to pay premium prices for rarer dates & numbers combinations that they can add to their collection.
Furthermore, this means that those who own examples of this two cent piece should be aware of what grade theirs falls into; higher grades garnering greater values than lower ones!
Value
When it comes to the 1868 Two Cent Piece, value is an important factor. Its rarity makes it highly desired among collectors who are willing to pay top dollar for rare dates & numbers combinations.
The grade of each specimen can also greatly affect its worth - higher grades fetch more than lower ones. But determining a coin's exact value requires research into comparable sales and other market factors; you'll need to consider how many specimens have sold recently, for example, or what condition they were in when purchased.
With this information in hand, any numismatist should be able to accurately establish the true value of their two cent piece!
Varieties Of The 1868 Two Cent Piece
It is clear that the 1868 two cent piece is a rare and valuable find for any numismatist. But what makes it even more remarkable is its wide variety of versions, each with its own distinct characteristics. It's almost like taking a trip back in time to the days when this currency was first minted!
Let's start off by talking about one of the most common varieties: the small-mintage Type One. This version has a reverse design featuring an oak wreath surrounding 'TWO CENTS' on the inner circle, with rays between two stars at the top and bottom.
On the obverse side you can find Liberty facing left with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ringing around her along with 13 six-pointed stars above and below her head.
Moving onto another popular variant —the Type Two— we see some subtle changes that give it greater distinction from its predecessor. The main difference being that instead of rays separating the two stars, there are now arrows pointing towards them on either side.
In addition, just beneath LIBERTY’s bust appears “2/CENTS” encircled by ribbon ties. Truly unique features which make this particular coin stand out among all others of its kind!
Collecting The 1868 Two Cent Piece
The 1868 Two Cent Piece, minted from 1865 to 1873 and containing 88% copper and 12% nickel alloy, is a highly sought after coin by numismatists.
Not only are the coins rare due to their low mintage numbers of only 19 million pieces, but they also represent a distinct period in US history when two cent coins were minted for circulation.
Collecting these valuable coins can be difficult since their production was so limited and many have been lost over time or damaged due to wear and tear.
The condition of each piece is essential as it affects not just its value but also its desirability among collectors.
Coins that are uncirculated will fetch higher prices than those with damages such as scratches or corrosion.
It's important for anyone looking to collect this historic coin to do research into reputable dealers who specialize in vintage currency and authenticate their purchases before buying them.
Given their age, rarity, and unique design featuring the “Shield of Liberty” on one side and an oak wreath encircling “2 CENTS” on the other, the 1868 Two Cent Piece remains an impressive symbol of Americana well worth collecting today.
Its historical relevance makes it a great addition to any collection, whether you're new to numismatics or already have a sizable portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Find A 1868 Two Cent Piece For Sale?
As a numismatist, I can tell you that the two cent piece was first issued in 1864 and quickly became a popular denomination.
It remained in production until 1873 when it was replaced by the three-cent nickel.
If you're looking for an 1868 two cent piece, there are several reputable coin dealers who offer them for sale online or at physical locations around the US.
You should also check out auctions and estate sales to see if any are available.
Be sure to do your research before making a purchase so you get the best possible deal.
How Much Does A 1868 Two Cent Piece Typically Cost?
As a numismatist, I can tell you that the cost of a two cent piece from 1868 varies depending on its condition.
Generally speaking, an average grade specimen will fetch around $50-$100 while one in uncirculated condition could bring over $1000.
The price also depends on any special marks or features it may have as well as how rare it is compared to other specimens of similar age and conditions.
Are There Other Coins Similar To The 1868 Two Cent Piece?
Numismatists are often intrigued by the coins of a certain era, and the 1868 two cent piece is no exception.
There are other coins similar to it, such as the three-cent nickel which was minted from 1865 until 1889.
It had a very distinct shield design on its obverse side, making it easily recognizable when compared to other coins.
The half dime was also produced during this period of time and featured Lady Liberty draped in flags.
These two coins were made with essentially the same materials used for the 1868 two cent piece, but their designs were quite different.
Are There Any Unique Features Of The 1868 Two Cent Piece?
The two cent piece is a unique and interesting coin. It features the words 'In God We Trust' above an oak wreath, with the denomination written in Roman numerals directly beneath it.
On its reverse side, there are 13 stars arranged in a circle around a shield displaying the head of Liberty facing left.
The two cent piece was minted from 1864 to 1872 and has become quite collectible due to its rarity.
Its size also makes it distinct, as it's much larger than other coins of similar denominations from that era.
What Is The Most Valuable 1868 Two Cent Piece?
The most valuable 1868 two cent piece is the one in perfect condition. This specimen should be free from any wear, scratches or other imperfections, as these will significantly reduce its value to numismatists.
In addition, a fully uncirculated example with original mint luster is particularly sought after and thus more valuable than those that have been circulated.
Conclusion
As a numismatist, I have thoroughly enjoyed researching the 1868 Two Cent Piece. It is truly fascinating to learn about its unique features and rarity.
From my research, it is clear that this coin holds immense value for collectors due to its age. The most valuable of these coins can often cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on their condition!
For anyone interested in starting a collection with an historic piece, the 1868 Two Cent Piece would be an excellent place to start. They are not only beautiful but also provide a glimpse into our financial history while becoming increasingly rarer each year.
Whether you're looking to invest or just appreciate their beauty, the 1868 Two Cent Piece remains one of the most sought after coins of all time.