Two-cent piece (United States)
The two-cent piece was produced by the Mint of the United States for circulation from 1864 to 1872 and for collectors in 1873. Designed by James B. Longacre, there were decreasing mintages each year, as other minor coins such as the nickel proved more popular. It was abolished by the Mint Act of 1873.
1836 pattern for the two-cent piece
Cent-sized Civil War token, issued privately as all federal coinage was hoarded
With "God Our Trust"
With "In God We Trust"
James Barton Longacre was an American portraitist and engraver, and the fourth chief engraver of the United States Mint from 1844 until his death. Longacre is best known for designing the Indian Head cent, which entered commerce in 1859, and for the designs of the Shield nickel, Flying Eagle cent and other coins of the mid-19th century.
Portrait by Isaac Rehn, 1855
James Longacre, self-portrait at about age 12
Senator John C. Calhoun, as rendered by Longacre in 1834
John Binns' version of the Declaration of Independence with portraits by Longacre, 1819