Two Cent Pieces (1864-1873) The Two Cent piece was designed by James Longacre and struck in 1864 to 1873 by the Philadelphia Mint. The coins are 23mm in diameter and were struck with the same copper composition of the bronze Indian small cents. The reverse features the words 2 CENTS surrounded by an oak wreath. The obverse is a shield encircled by a laurel wreath and bears the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” on a ribbon across the top of the shield. This is the first time this inscription was used on a coin and was added due to intense religious sentiment during the Civil War. Cherished by collectors today, the Two Cent piece is one of the shortest-lived denominations in all of U.S. numismatics.
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