Diagnostic Controls & Presets First Coin with 'IN GOD WE TRUST' (1864)
Diagnostic Forensic Readings
Forensic Attribution Diagnostic
Real-time metallurgical and die variety cross-examination verified against certified populations.
Technical Breakdown: Physics, Metallurgy & Die Diagnostics
Birth of 'IN GOD WE TRUST'
Amidst the turmoil of the American Civil War, Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase directed Mint Director James Pollock to prepare a motto expressing national trust in God. Chief Engraver James B. Longacre designed the Two-Cent Piece in bronze (95% copper, 5% tin & zinc), making it the very first U.S. coin struck with 'IN GOD WE TRUST' in 1864.
Diagnostic Differences: Small vs Large Motto
- Letter Height & Width: Small Motto letters are shorter, narrower, and spaced farther from the ribbon borders; Large Motto letters nearly touch both upper and lower ribbon folds.
- Shape of 'D' in GOD: Small Motto 'D' is small and distinctly rounded; Large Motto 'D' is broad, plain, and tall.
- First 'T' in TRUST: Small Motto 'T' is close to the left ribbon fold; Large Motto 'T' has a wide, pronounced horizontal serif.
- Ribbon Crease: The ribbon fold directly above 'WE' forms an acute notch on the Small Motto.
Color Grading & Value Multiplier
Like Lincoln and Indian cents, the Two-Cent Piece is graded by color: RD (Red), RB (Red-Brown), and BN (Brown). Because pure bronze oxidizes easily, surviving 1864 Small Motto coins with full original red mint luster are extraordinary treasures: an MS-66 BN trades around $3,000, while an MS-66 RD commands over $21,000!
Documented Benchmark Auction Records
1864 2C Small Motto PCGS MS-66 RD
Virtually untoned fiery rose-gold copper surfaces with dazzling unbroken mint frost and knife-sharp motto ribbon details.
1864 2C Small Motto NGC MS-65 RB
Pleasing blend of mint copper orange and deep mahogany brown with sharp shield vertical lines and clean open fields.
1864 2C Small Motto PCGS VF-25
Even chocolate patina with full motto clarity, distinct ribbon notches, and honest wear on the central shield arrows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the 1864 Two-Cent Piece exist in two different motto varieties?
When production of the new two-cent denomination began in early 1864, the initial obverse dies featured smaller letters in 'IN GOD WE TRUST'. Mint engravers soon realized that these delicate letters were difficult to read and wore down rapidly. Chief Engraver Longacre redesigned the master hub with larger, bolder letters, creating the common Large Motto variety that was used for the remainder of 1864 through 1872.
What is the quickest way to tell a Small Motto from a Large Motto without a microscope?
Look at the letter 'D' in 'GOD'. On the Small Motto, the 'D' is small, compact, and distinctly rounded with plenty of open space between its top curve and the upper ribbon ribbon border. On the Large Motto, the 'D' is tall and squarish, nearly touching both the top and bottom ribbon edges.
How many 1864 Small Motto coins were struck?
While official mint records did not distinguish between the two varieties (reporting a total 1864 mintage of 19,847,500), numismatic researchers estimate that fewer than a few hundred thousand Small Motto coins were minted before the hub change, with only several thousand surviving today.
What is the difference in value between the Small Motto and Large Motto?
The difference is dramatic. In circulated grades like Fine to Very Fine, a common Large Motto is worth $20 to $35, while a genuine Small Motto brings $250 to $400. In Choice Gem Uncirculated (MS-65 Red), a Large Motto sells for about $400, whereas a Small Motto RD commands $12,000 to $20,000+!
What composition was used for the 1864 Two-Cent Piece?
The coin was struck on a French Bronze planchet consisting of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, weighing exactly 6.48 grams (100 grains) with a diameter of 23.0 mm and a plain edge.
Are there any known counterfeits of the 1864 Small Motto?
Yes, deceptive alterations exist where fraudulent dealers took common Large Motto coins and re-engraved the letters, or cast spurious bronze copies. Always purchase authenticated examples slabbed by PCGS, NGC, or ANACS.
Why was the Two-Cent Piece discontinued in 1873?
Following the post-Civil War stabilization of the currency and the massive circulation of Indian Head cents and nickel three-cent pieces, public demand for the awkward two-cent denomination evaporated. The coin was officially abolished by the Coinage Act of 1873.