U.S. Mint coin reference
The bronze two-cent piece was the first United States coin to carry the motto IN GOD WE TRUST.
Obverse: A Union shield is framed by a wreath, with IN GOD WE TRUST on a ribbon above and the date below.
Reverse: A large 2 CENTS sits within a wheat wreath, surrounded by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
1864–1873: Shield Two-Cent Piece introduced the two-cent denomination during the Civil War and was the first United States coin to display IN GOD WE TRUST. James B. Longacre’s shield-and-wreath design was struck in bronze at 6.22 grams.
Demand fell as other minor coins returned to circulation, and production ended in 1873. Date, motto strength, shield detail, and the 1864 Small Motto variety are major collecting points.
Authorized during the Civil War and first struck in 1864, the two-cent piece helped relieve the shortage of small change. Mint Director James Pollock placed IN GOD WE TRUST on the design, making this the first United States coin to use the motto. Demand faded as cents and new nickel denominations became plentiful, and the series ended in 1873.
For 1864, collectors distinguish the Small Motto and Large Motto obverse varieties. Across the series, examine the shield lines, ribbon motto, wreath, and denomination for strike quality and wear. Original brown or red-brown surfaces are preferred over pieces with cleaning, spots, corrosion, or altered color.