3354

1864 Two Cents. Large motto NGC MS66 BN

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:400.00 USD Estimated At:800.00 - 1,200.00 USD
1864 Two Cents. Large motto NGC MS66 BN
A rich burnt orange-gold color whose deep reds are still visible in the fields on either side despite NGC's conservative "BN" on the holder's label. Struck with preciseness only now and then found on this popular first year of issue.

The proposal for a two-cent coin originated not in Congress but in the Mint itself. On Dec. 8, 1863, Director James Pollock wrote to Salmon P. Chase (Lincoln's Secretary of Treasury), recommending a two-cent piece in French bronze (the alloy earlier chosen for the new cents). Pollock submitted for Chase's approval samples of two designs, one with a Washington head, the other with shield and arrows in saltire (similar to that adopted), preferring the latter, which was adopted. (#3576)