Numismatic

1870 Two Cent Piece VF

---

In the years following the American Civil War, the United States Mint produced a distinctive denomination that is rarely seen in modern pocket change: the two-cent piece. Struck in pure copper at the Philadelphia Mint in 1870, this coin represents a brief but highly creative era in American numismatic design. This particular specimen survives in Very Fine condition, showing clear details of its intricate engraving despite decades of circulation. The obverse of the coin features a prominent, ornate shield, known as an escutcheon. Created by designer James Longacre, this central motif was intended to represent national strength, resilience, and the self-protection that comes through unity. Above the shield, a scroll displays a patriotic motto, while the year 1870 is boldly struck below. On the reverse, the denomination of 2 Cents is encircled by a highly detailed, decorative wreath woven from stalks of wheat. The legend United States of America wraps around the upper rim of the coin, framing the agricultural wreath. This pairing of protective armor on one side and agricultural abundance on the other makes the 1870 two-cent piece a compelling study in nineteenth-century American design.