Two Cent Coin Values
How Much Two Cent Coins are Worth: Two Cent Coin Values & Coin Price Chart
Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1864 | (None) Phil | Small Motto | BN | $375 | $460 | $495 | $704 | $997 | $1,440.00 | $1,660.00 | $2,070.00 | $2,758.00 | $4,605.00 |
| 1864 | (None) Phil | Small Motto | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,850.00 | $2,095.00 | $2,490.00 | $3,955.00 | $9,300.00 |
| 1864 | (None) Phil | Small Motto | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $3,525.00 | $4,675.00 | $16,200.00 | $34,650.00 |
| 1864 | (None) Phil | Large Motto | BN | $28.40 | $34 | $43 | $68 | $98 | $154 | $260 | $313 | $483 | $1,245.00 |
| 1864 | (None) Phil | Large Motto | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $195 | $273 | $379 | $666 | $1,448.00 |
| 1864 | (None) Phil | Large Motto | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $250 | $472 | $860 | $2,295.00 | $2,753.00 |
| 1865 | (None) Phil | Large Motto | BN | $28.40 | $34 | $43 | $68 | $98 | $240 | $260 | $313 | $483 | $1,245.00 |
| 1865 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $195 | $273 | $379 | $666 | $1,448.00 |
| 1865 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $472 | $860 | $1,572.00 | $4,253.00 |
| 1865 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $31 | $36 | $46 | $73 | $105 | $166 | $282 | $340 | $552 | $1,419.00 |
| 1865 | (None) Phil | Plain 5 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $295 | $410 | $717 | $1,792.00 |
| 1865 | (None) Phil | Plain 5 | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $561 | $950 | $1,701.00 | $3,728.00 |
| 1865 | (None) Phil | Plain 5 | BN | $28.40 | $34 | $80 | $68 | $98 | $159 | $278 | $325 | $695 | $1,295.00 |
| 1865 | (None) Phil | Fancy 5 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $200 | $290 | $454 | $1,053.00 | $1,660.00 |
| 1865 | (None) Phil | Fancy 5 | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $472 | $860 | $1,572.00 | $3,128.00 |
| 1866 | (None) Phil | Fancy 5 | BN | $31 | $50 | $49 | $76 | $106 | $162 | $269 | $327 | $542 | $2,063.00 |
| 1866 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $220 | $349 | $480 | $942 | $2,933.00 |
| 1866 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $598 | $1,013.00 | $1,852.00 | $6,688.00 |
| 1867 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $31 | $38 | $49 | $76 | $106 | $177 | $259 | $345 | $625 | $1,453.00 |
| 1867 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $225 | $303 | $444 | $880 | $2,850.00 |
| 1867 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $300 | $678 | $1,458.00 | $3,125.00 | $10,325.00 |
| 1867 | (None) Phil | Doubled Die Reverse | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $5,115.00 | $9,395.00 | $13,200.00 | $21,450.00 |
| 1867 | (None) Phil | Doubled Die Reverse | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $15,225.00 | $20,750.00 | -- |
| 1868 | (None) Phil | Doubled Die Reverse | BN | $29.90 | $47 | $62 | $84 | $112 | $223 | $300 | $356 | $600 | $1,563.00 |
| 1868 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $300 | $403 | $605 | $1,148.00 | $3,125.00 |
| 1868 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $712 | $2,145.00 | $4,100.00 | $25,350.00 |
| 1869 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $33 | $50 | $65 | $180 | $140 | $225 | $385 | $488 | $1,039.00 | $1,688.00 |
| 1869 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $375 | $507 | $664 | $988 | $3,000.00 |
| 1869 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $855 | $1,263.00 | $2,600.00 | $5,718.00 |
| 1870 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $50 | $65 | $89 | $146 | $191 | $312 | $414 | $618 | $895 | $2,020.00 |
| 1870 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $375 | $511 | $860 | $1,613.00 | $3,638.00 |
| 1870 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $425 | $850 | $2,450.00 | $3,638.00 | $24,600.00 |
| 1871 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $57 | $65 | $107 | $164 | $213 | $318 | $399 | $508 | $888 | $1,485.00 |
| 1871 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $385 | $652 | $1,005.00 | $1,605.00 | $4,180.00 |
| 1871 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $475 | $908 | $1,684.00 | $4,665.00 | $14,350.00 |
| 1872 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $500 | $539 | $749 | $993 | $1,433.00 | $2,938.00 | $3,540.00 | $3,845.00 | $5,355.00 | $9,050.00 |
| 1872 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $2,860.00 | $4,135.00 | $4,813.00 | $7,025.00 | $11,150.00 |
| 1872 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $7,700.00 | $13,000.00 | $19,500.00 | $39,250.00 |
History of the Two Cent Coin
The Two Cent Coin, also known as the Two Cent Piece, was minted from 1864 to 1873 and was the first U.S. coin authorized to feature the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST”. Its creation was prompted by the coin shortage during the Civil War, and it uniquely addressed the need for small-denomination change during this turbulent period. This coin remains the only U.S. coin of its denomination ever produced, and its design introduced the national motto still used today.
The Two Cent Coin was designed by James B. Longacre, the Chief Engraver at the time for the U.S. Mint. The obverse features a shield with a wreath and the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” above. On the reverse is the denomination (2 CENTS) within a wreath, surrounded by “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” Design modifications occurred mainly in the size of the motto lettering (“Large Motto” and “Small Motto” varieties for the 1864 issue).
Rarest Coins in the Series
- 1864 First-Year Issue (“Small Motto” and “Large Motto”): The 1864 Small Motto variety is the rarest regular-issue Two Cent Piece. The distinctive, petite lettering of “IN GOD WE TRUST” quickly gave way to a larger, bolder style.
- 1872 Low Mintage: The 1872 issue saw a sharp decline in production, with an estimated 65,000 pieces struck for circulation, one of the lowest mintages of the series.
- 1873 Proof-Only Issue: The final year for the Two Cent Piece is a proof-only date, with fewer than 1,100 pieces minted, making it an essential rarity for complete sets.
Types of Collections
- Date Set: Collect one example from each year of mintage (1864–1873, including the proof-only 1873).
- Type Set: Focus on each major design variety by collecting the 1864 Small Motto and Large Motto design types.
- High-Grade Set: Attempt to acquire each year in Mint State (uncirculated) condition. This can be challenging due to the scarcity of high-grade surviving examples.
- Complete Proof Set: Assemble every year’s Proof issue, including the rare 1873 proof, catering to advanced collectors with a preference for top-tier quality.
Beginner vs. Advanced Collecting
Beginner Collecting
While the Two Cent Piece is often pursued by advanced collectors, beginners can still enjoy the series by starting with common dates in lower grades. Focus on affordable, problem-free coins from reputable online dealers or larger coin shows, where professional grading services are commonly available. Learn to spot fundamental details such as clear shield lines and avoid coins with heavy corrosion or damage. Store your coins in archival-quality holders in a dry, stable environment.
Advanced Collecting
Advanced collectors typically target scarce varieties and high-grade certified examples; collecting at this level requires extensive research and patience. Careful study of die varieties, surfaces, and shield details is essential, as is vigilance against cleaned or altered coins. Preserve high-value pieces in certified holders and temperature-controlled environments to limit oxidation and protect long-term value.
Investment Potential
Some Two Cent Pieces are available in certified “labels” (such as PCGS, NGC, or CAC holders), and most years are found in both regular and Proof format. The rarest issues have historically maintained strong demand due to their limited availability and collector interest. While circulated examples are more affordable, higher-grade or rare varieties often command stronger premiums within the series.