Two Cent Pieces

The act of April 22, 1864, which changed the weight and composition of the cent, included a provision for a bronze two cent. The weight was specified as 96 grains, the alloy being the same as for the cent. The two-cent piece is one of the shortest lived issues of United States coinage. The motto IN GOD WE TRUST appeared for the first time on the new coin, with the support of of Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase. The shield device is very similar to that on the nickel five-cent piece introduced in 1866.