1864 Large Motto Two Cent Piece

The 1864 Large Motto Two Cent Piece is an important early United States coin and a popular collectible among enthusiasts of Civil War-era coinage. Struck during a period of major change in American history, the 1864 two-cent piece represents the first regular-issue U.S. coin to feature the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.” ARC Gold Britannia 1oz BU

Collectors are particularly interested in the 1864 issue because the year includes both the Large Motto and Small Motto varieties. Understanding the differences between these varieties, along with condition, rarity, and historical context, is essential when evaluating an 1864 large motto two cent piece. 1904-O Morgan Silver Dollar PCGS MS64

What Is an 1864 Large Motto Two Cent Piece?

The 1864 Large Motto Two Cent Piece is a copper-nickel-free bronze coin struck by the United States Mint in 1864. It has a face value of two cents and was produced as part of the country’s effort to address a shortage of circulating coins during the Civil War.

The 1864 issue is especially notable because it introduced the IN GOD WE TRUST motto on the reverse. Two distinct versions of the motto appeared during the year:

• 1864 Small Motto – smaller lettering in the motto
• 1864 Large Motto – larger, more prominent lettering

The Large Motto variety is generally the more widely encountered of the two 1864 varieties, but both are important to collectors.

History of the 1864 Two Cent Piece

The two-cent denomination was authorized during the Civil War and first struck in 1864. The coin was designed by James B. Longacre, who also designed several other important 19th-century U.S. coins.

The two-cent piece was made from bronze, consisting primarily of copper with a small amount of tin and zinc. Its composition allowed the government to produce a coin with relatively low intrinsic value while providing a practical denomination for everyday transactions. 1880-S $1 PCGS MS67 – CAC Sticker

The reverse featured a shield and the motto IN GOD WE TRUST, making the coin historically significant beyond its monetary value. 1922-1935 Peace Silver Dollars VG-XF

1864 Large Motto vs. Small Motto

One of the most important distinctions for collectors is the difference between the two 1864 motto varieties.

The Large Motto has noticeably larger lettering for IN GOD WE TRUST. On the Small Motto variety, the lettering is smaller and more compact.

When identifying an 1864 two-cent piece, collectors should examine the reverse carefully rather than relying solely on general appearance or photographs. The motto variety can have a meaningful effect on a coin’s collectible interest and market value.

1864 Large Motto Two Cent Piece Design

The obverse of the coin features a shield with the date 1864 below it. A pair of arrows and a branch appear alongside the shield, while the surrounding inscription reads:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

The reverse features the denomination 2 CENTS surrounded by a wreath. Above the denomination is the motto:

IN GOD WE TRUST

The combination of the shield design and motto gives the coin a distinctive appearance that makes it easy to recognize among early U.S. bronze coinage.

How Much Is an 1864 Large Motto Two Cent Piece Worth?

The value of an 1864 Large Motto Two Cent Piece depends on several factors, including:

• Coin condition and grade
• Surface quality
• Original color and remaining red coloration
• Strike quality
• Variety
• Signs of cleaning or damage
• Certification by a professional grading service
• Current collector demand

Circulated examples can be relatively accessible to collectors, while attractive coins in higher grades can command significantly higher prices.

Because early bronze coins can vary substantially in condition, there is no single value that applies to every 1864 Large Motto two-cent piece. 1906-O $10 Liberty Head Gold Eagle – PCGS MS63 with CAC sticker

Condition and Grading

Condition is particularly important when determining the value of an 1864 two-cent piece. Collectors and dealers commonly use the Sheldon grading scale, ranging from Poor to Mint State grades.

Important areas to examine include:

• The shield and lettering on the obverse
• The wreath and denomination on the reverse
• The motto IN GOD WE TRUST
• Overall surface preservation
• Remaining original color
• Hairline scratches, marks, or corrosion
• Evidence of cleaning or environmental damage

Uncirculated examples can be especially appealing because they preserve more of the original design detail and surface quality.

Original Red Color and Eye Appeal

Collectors of early copper and bronze coins often pay close attention to color. An 1864 Large Motto two-cent piece may display brown, red-brown, or red coloration depending on its preservation and storage history.

Coins retaining substantial original red coloration can be particularly desirable. However, color designation should be evaluated alongside grade and surface preservation rather than considered independently.

Why Collect the 1864 Large Motto Two Cent Piece?

The 1864 Large Motto two-cent piece offers several reasons for collectors to consider adding one to a collection.

First U.S. Coin With IN GOD WE TRUST

The two-cent piece is historically important because it introduced the IN GOD WE TRUST motto to regular U.S. coinage.

Civil War-Era Coinage

The coin was produced during the American Civil War, giving it an important connection to one of the most significant periods in U.S. history.

Early Bronze Coinage

Its bronze composition represents an important transition in American coinage and makes the two-cent series a fascinating area for collectors.

Variety Collecting

The 1864 issue provides an opportunity to collect and compare the Small Motto and Large Motto varieties.