US Two Cent Piece 1868 G-VG

The US Two Cent Piece 1868 stands as a testament to a pivotal era in American history, marked by reconstruction and economic recovery following the Civil War. As a key component of the nation's coinage system during this period, the Two Cent Piece played a vital role in facilitating daily transactions and restoring confidence in the currency. With its distinctive design and historical significance, the US Two Cent Piece 1868 continues to capture the imagination of collectors and historians alike.

Authorized by Congress under the Coinage Act of 1864, the Two Cent Piece was introduced to alleviate the shortage of circulating coins caused by the hoarding of precious metals during the Civil War. Its introduction represented a departure from traditional coinage, as it was the first circulating coin in US history to feature the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST." The obverse of the coin depicts a left-facing bust of Liberty adorned with a diadem inscribed with the word "LIBERTY," while the reverse features a large shield surrounded by a laurel wreath and the denomination "2" centered within the shield.

During the mid-19th century, coins were typically not packaged for individual sale or presentation. Instead, they were distributed through banks and commerce channels for everyday use. Consequently, the US Two Cent Piece 1868 would not have been packaged in any special way upon its release.

The US Two Cent Piece 1868 was struck at various mint facilities across the United States, including the Philadelphia Mint, the San Francisco Mint, and the Carson City Mint. These facilities utilized steam-powered presses to produce large quantities of coins, meeting the demand for circulating currency during the nation's post-war recovery.

The mintage figures for the US Two Cent Piece 1868 varied depending on the mint facility where the coins were struck. The Philadelphia Mint, as the primary facility for producing circulating coinage, typically produced the highest number of coins, followed by the other mint facilities.

In Good to Very Good (G-VG) condition, the US Two Cent Piece 1868 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 discernible, allowing for easy identification of the coin's features.

The US Two Cent Piece 1868 holds a special place in American numismatic history, representing a time of rebuilding and recovery for the nation. Whether as a standalone collectible or as part of a larger numismatic collection, this coin serves as a tangible link to the past, offering insights into the economic and social conditions of the post-Civil War era.

• Denomination: N/A
• Year: 1868
• Diameter: N/A
• Mint Mark: N/A
• Thickness: N/A
• Grade: N/A