The Two Cent Penny was a penny that had an irregular value of two cents. It was not the most popular coin at the time because they were less convenient than the nickel. Although it was not super popular during the time it was used in circulation, it has gained tremendous popularity amongst collectors today.
The Two Cent Penny was designed by James B. Longacre during the civil war. James Lonacre’s version featured the seal of the United States on the obverse of the coin. On top of the seal is a ribbon that has the phrase “In God we trust” on it . The reverse states “2 Cents'' in the center surrounded by a wreath of wheat, arching over the top of the coin is “United States of America”. There is no mint mark on the Two Cent Penny because it was only minted in Philadelphia. Furthermore, there are also two different versions of the Two Cent Penny, a Large Motto and a Small Motto.
The Two Cent Penny was mined from 1864-1873. Any year in any legible condition of this coin will cost well over the face value of this coin, to the tune of hundreds of dollars. Some uncirculated versions of this coin can cost over a thousand dollars. The last few years of mintages are the rarest because of the low amount that were produced. Each year the Two Cent Penny was produced had a smaller mintage than the prior year. This was mainly due to the growing popularity of the Nickel and declining popularity of the Two Cent Penny.
The Two Cent Penny has a weight of 6.22 grams, a diameter of 23mm, and was composed of 95% copper and 5% zinc/tin. Interesting enough, the Two Cent Penny has a flat rim, not a reeded like most U.S. coinage. Also, the Two Cent Penny was produced with two different finishes, a proof and a mint state.
Some of the key date coins in the Two Cent Penny series are the following:
-1864 Two Cent Penny Small Motto
-1872 Two Cent Penny
Two Cent Penny Mintages and Values
| Date | Mintage | Good | Very Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated | |
| 1864-P Two Cent Penny (Small Motto) | N/A | $235.00 | $575.00 | $800.00 | $1,500.00 | |
| 1894-P Two Cent Penny (Large Motto) | 19,822,500 | $15.00 | $30.00 | $50.00 | $110.00 | |
| 1865-P Two Cent Penny | 13,640,000 | $15.00 | $30.00 | $50.00 | $110.00 | |
| 1866-P Two Cent Penny | 317,700 | $20.00 | $35.00 | $50.00 | $120.00 | |
| 1867-P Two Cent Penny | 2,938,750 | $20.00 | $35.00 | $50.00 | $130.00 | |
| 1868-P Two Cent Penny | 2,803,750 | $20.00 | $50.00 | $75.00 | $150.00 | |
| 1869-P Two Cent Penny | 1,546,500 | $25.00 | $55.00 | $80.00 | $160.00 | |
| 1870-P Two Cent Penny | 861,250 | $35.00 | $85.00 | $150.00 | $275.00 | |
| 1871-P Two Cent Penny | 721,250 | $40.00 | $110.00 | $165.00 | $300.00 | |
| 1872-P Two Cent Penny | 65,000 | $400.00 | $775.00 | $1,100.00 | $2,800.00 | |
*Source 2020 Red Book