1864 2c Small Motto, FS-401 MS RD

This year the Mint struck the Two Cent coins with a Small Motto which was later changed to the Large Motto. The Large Motto of IN GOD WE TRUST ended up being the permanent choice of design for the remainder of the time this denomination was produced. The Small Motto is actually the more scarce of the two. Scarcity begins in the AU range and increases gradually until it is considered rare as a high-end gem. Slightly tougher to find with red-brown color and very rare in full red.

Obverse Description

An ornate shield flanked on the left and right by leaves with arrow heads and shanks (crossed behind) appear protruding at the four corners. A ribbon above the shield bears the words IN GOD WE TRUST, making this coin design the first usage this now-ubiquitous motto. The date is positioned at the bottom center.

Reverse Description

A large numeral 2 with the word CENTS below (smaller) in the center is framed by a well-defined wheat wreath tied at the bottom center by a simple ribbon. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA appears around the periphery.