Georgia — With recent news that the U.S. government plans to end production of the 1-cent coin, attention has turned to the future of American currency. But not many people remember the coin that started one of the most iconic traditions in U.S. history — the 2-cent piece.
This short-lived coin, first minted on April 22, 1864, was the very first to carry the now-familiar motto: “In God We Trust.”
A Coin Born During Crisis
Designed by James Barton Longacre, the fourth Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, the 2-cent coin was introduced in the middle of the Civil War. Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase had asked the Mint to create a motto reflecting the nation’s faith — and Longacre delivered a now-legendary inscription.
The phrase debuted on the 2-cent piece and became law the following year. By 1866, it appeared on all U.S. coins large enough to carry it.
Though the coin was only in production from 1864 to 1873, its legacy lives on in every piece of American money bearing the words “In God We Trust.” The Mint struck roughly 46 million of the coins in total, with production numbers declining each year.
What’s It Worth Today?
According to coin experts at JM Bullion, the 2-cent coin is now a sought-after collector’s item. Depending on condition and rarity, values range from $15 to over $1,500 per coin.
Few Georgians at the time were likely aware of the coin’s release. In April 1864, attention was focused on reports that General William T. Sherman’s Union troops were preparing to invade from Chattanooga.
But more than 150 years later, that obscure 2-cent coin has earned its place in U.S. history — and possibly in your pocket if you’re lucky.
Do you collect coins or remember using older U.S. currency? Drop a comment and tell us what rare money you’ve come across!