Two Cent Pieces - A great short set for any coin collector!
In 1806 a proposal was made to Congress trying to authorize coinage of Two cent pieces. This proposal was turned down when it became evident how easily a counterfeiter could duplicate the coin using just a brass button.
Again in 1836 another proposal was made to Congress to design a coin with a slightly different alloy. The sample coin was more resistant to wear than its predecessor was 30 years earlier. Congress came to the same conclusion as in 1806 and denied the idea.
The third proposal in 1863 originated at the mint instead of through Congress. James Pollock (Mint Director at that time) wrote Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase recommending the coin be minted. The alloy would be the same as the new cents and was approved to be produced.
This denomination began production in 1863 and continued for 10 years to 1873. They circulated first because of a lack of coins during the American Civil War. It had limited legal-tender status until the Coinage Act of 1965. Another little known fact is that these US coins are the first to bear the motto IN GOD WE TRUST.
Coin Specifications:
Diameter: 23mm
Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin
Weight: 6.22 grams
Edge: Plain
