Olevian Numismatic Rarities
1873 Two Cent Piece NGC & CAC Certified PF65BN
Product Description
The two-cent piece was an unusual and short-lived coin first struck during the Civil War in 1864. With a large shield, arrows, and wreath dominating the obverse design, art historian Cornelius Vermeule considered the 2-cent piece "the most Gothic and the most expressive of the Civil War" of American coins. This coin is especially notable, as it is the first to bear the motto IN GOD WE TRUST.
Reverend Mark R. Watkinson of Ridleyville, PA wrote a letter to President Chase in 1861 proposing that some reference to God be placed on America’s coinage during this dark time of war. Chase agreed and instructed the U.S. Mint Director to design a coin expressing this national recognition, writing “no nation can be strong except in the strength of God, or safe except in His defense.”
The 2-cent piece was initially quite popular due to the lack of abundant metallic coinage in circulation secondary to public hoarding. However, demand dropped rapidly, and the coin was considered superfluous after the introduction of the nickel 5-cent piece in 1866. The 1873 proof example offered here from the last year of mintage is one of only 1,100 coins produced exclusively for collectors, of which considerably less remain. Roughly half of these had a smaller, “closed 3”, which is the variety offered here.
Product Details
- Measurements
4.5"L x 4.5"W x 1.5"H
- OriginUnited States
— Two Cent Piece (1864-1873)
— Designer: James Barton Longacre
— Weight: 6.22 grams
— Diameter: 23 mm
— Composition: Bronze
— Obverse Design: Shield, Arrows, & Wreath
— Obverse Inscription: IN GOD WE TRUST / DATE
— Reverse Design: Wreath
— Reverse Inscription: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / 2 CENTS
— Ships In Luxurious Matte Black Wood Box Lined In Velvet With A Certificate Of Authenticity
A Note About Coin Grading & Certification:
This is a certified coin and its quality and authenticity are guaranteed. The condition of a coin is officially graded on a 70-point scale according to standards set forth by the American Numismatic Association. Grades under 60 represent circulated grades, while grades from 60 through 70 represent uncirculated, or “mint-state” grades. Very few, if any, older coins are known to exist in perfect MS70 grade. Analogous to GIA certification for diamonds, independent expert certification services examine coins, certify authenticity, assign consensus grades, and encapsulate them in a sonically sealed, hard plastic holder with grade and unique serial number displayed. The two leading firms, Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), have become widely recognized for their objective grading practices and high industry standards. They continue to provide reliable consumer protection for rare coin collectors and investors and preserve the integrity of the rare coin industry. A third company, Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC), also provides secondary verification of previously certified coins. A green oval sticker is applied to those specimens CAC believes meet their strict standards of quality for the certified grade. The coin offered for sale in this listing has been certified by one or more of these leading services so you can be confident in its authenticity and stated condition.
Shipping Information
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Shipping AvailabilityCanada, United States
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Shipping PolicyStandard Ground Shipping
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Ship In2-3 weeks ⓘ
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Return PolicyFinal sale, not eligible for return or cancellation
Size Chart
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