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***Auction Highlight*** 1864 Small Motto Two Cent Piece 2c Graded f+ By USCG (fc)

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:250.00 - 500.00 USD
***Auction Highlight*** 1864 Small Motto Two Cent Piece 2c Graded f+ By USCG (fc)
***Auction Highlight*** 1864 Small Motto Two Cent Piece 2c Graded f+ By USCG. The two-cent piece made its debut in 1864 at a time when gold and silver coinage had long since been absent from circulation in the Eastern and Midwestern states due to the economic turmoil and uncertainty brought about by the Civil War. Struck in bronze, the new denomination was not subject to such hoarding and, as such, initially proved popular in commercial channels. Mintages were correspondingly high in 1864 and 1865, but with the end of the Civil War in the latter year, production fell off rapidly through the series' end in 1873. The 1864 is the most plentiful date in this series, and as a first year issue it is understandably popular for type purposes. On the other hand, the issue contains an important rarity in the Small Motto variety. The first few Proofs, as well as a limited number of circulation strikes (Walter Breen, 1988, says only "a few thousand") were struck from an obverse die on which the letters in the motto IN GOD WE TRUST are small. This variety was quickly replaced by a new hub on which these letters are noticeably larger. Very Scarce in circulated grades. A Corey's Pick, Bid to Win Coin