The 1864 two cent piece holds a unique place in US coinage as the first coin to bear the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST”. However, not all 1864 two cent coins are created equal in terms of value. Two varieties exist, differentiated by the size of the motto on the obverse: the Small Motto and the Large Motto.
- Small Motto: This variety features thinner, more compact letters in the motto, with the “D” in “GOD” noticeably smaller than the “O”, and the “S” in “TRUST” lacking serifs. It is considered scarcer and more desirable than its larger counterpart, [according to Coin ID Scanner].
- Large Motto: In contrast, the Large Motto features bolder, taller, and more spread-out letters in the motto. The “O” in “GOD” is oval and lower than the “D”, and the “S” in “TRUST” has marked serifs.
The rarity of the Small Motto significantly impacts its value. Based on the provided search results:
| Variety | Condition | Value Range |
|—|—|—|
| [1864 Two Cent Small Motto] | Good (G-4) | $225 |
| 1864 Two Cent Small Motto | Fine (F) | $400 |
| 1864 Two Cent Small Motto | Extremely Fine | $850 |
| 1864 Two Cent Small Motto | Uncirculated | $1,000 |
| 1864 Two Cent Large Motto | Good (G-4) | $15 |
| 1864 Two Cent Large Motto | Fine (F) | $25 |
| 1864 Two Cent Large Motto | Extremely Fine | $50 |
| 1864 Two Cent Large Motto | Uncirculated | $80 |
Note: Prices can vary depending on factors such as the coin’s specific condition (including color – brown, red and brown, or red), and the individual market fluctuations.
In summary, the 1864 Two Cent Small Motto commands a considerably higher price than the Large Motto version, making it the more valuable and sought-after variety for collectors.
What is the difference between 1864 2 cent large and small motto?
There are two key differences: The “We” in “God We Trust” is further from the rim of the ribbon than the large date “We.” But more importantly, the small motto has a stem on the leaf.
What is the motto of the 1864 two cent large coin?
Thanks for asking. All but a few thousand of the nearly 20 million two-cent pieces coined during 1864 carried the enlarged motto IN GOD WE TRUST, and this became standard for the remainder of the series. The taller letters are similar in style to those appearing on the reverse.
How many 1864 2 cent coins were minted?
The most common date found for the Two Cent piece is 1864. This was the coin’s first year of mintage and the U.S. Mint produced over 20 million of these coins.