1836 Two Cent Patterns

About This Coin

Among the earliest entries in the two-cent denomination's experimental history, the 1836 Two Cent Patterns from the Early Republic Patterns (1792-1859) predate the denomination's actual introduction by nearly three decades. Produced at the Philadelphia Mint during Andrew Jackson's presidency — a period of economic upheaval including the Bank War, the Specie Circular, and the Panic of 1837 — these patterns document the Mint's early consideration of a denomination that would not enter production until the Civil War emergency of 1864. The obverse features the shield design with IN GOD WE TRUST banner that would eventually define the denomination, while the reverse displays a wreath enclosing 2 CENTS. James Barton Longacre is credited as designer, though the 1836 patterns predate his 1844 appointment as Chief Engraver, raising questions about die production dates and attribution. A notable result of $29K in MS63 grade at Heritage Auctions reflects significant interest in this early expression of the two-cent concept. For numismatic historians, these patterns reveal that the two-cent idea — and even the IN GOD WE TRUST motto — had roots stretching back far earlier than the Civil War context in which the denomination was born.