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- Product ID: 15065
The US Two Cent Piece 1866 in Good to Very Good (G-VG) condition represents a fascinating chapter in American numismatic history. Minted during the Reconstruction era following the Civil War, this coin played a crucial role in stabilizing the nation's currency system and facilitating everyday transactions. With its distinctive design and historical significance, the US Two Cent Piece 1866 continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Authorized by Congress as part of the Coinage Act of 1864, the Two Cent Piece was introduced to address the shortage of circulating coins caused by the hoarding of precious metals during the Civil War. The coin featured a unique design, with an obverse depicting a left-facing bust of Liberty adorned with a diadem inscribed with the word "LIBERTY" and the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" above. The reverse showcased a large shield surrounded by a laurel wreath, with the denomination "2" centered within the shield.
During the 19th century, coins were typically not packaged for individual sale or presentation. Instead, they were distributed through banks and commerce channels for use in everyday transactions. As a result, the US Two Cent Piece 1866 would not have been packaged in any special way at the time of issue.
The US Two Cent Piece 1866 was struck at various mint facilities across the United States, including the Philadelphia Mint, the San Francisco Mint, and the New Orleans Mint. These facilities utilized steam-powered presses to produce large quantities of coins, meeting the demand for circulating currency during the nation's period of reconstruction.
The mintage figures for the US Two Cent Piece 1866 varied depending on the mint facility where the coins were struck. The Philadelphia Mint, as the primary facility responsible for producing circulating coinage, produced the highest number of coins, followed by the San Francisco Mint and the New Orleans Mint.
In Good to Very Good (G-VG) condition, the US Two Cent Piece 1866 exhibits moderate to heavy wear across the design, with some loss of detail on the high points of the coin. Despite this wear, the overall design elements and inscriptions remain visible and distinguishable, allowing for easy identification of the coin's features.
The US Two Cent Piece 1866 holds a special place in American numismatic history, serving as a tangible reminder of the nation's resilience and determination to rebuild after the Civil War. Whether as a standalone collectible or as part of a larger numismatic collection, this coin continues to intrigue collectors with its unique design and historical significance.