1863 Two Cent Patterns

About This Coin

Predating the denomination's introduction by one year, the 1863 Two Cent Patterns from the Civil War Patterns (1860-1865) document the experiments that preceded the two-cent piece's 1864 debut. They include designs with the head of George Washington and the motto GOD AND OUR COUNTRY and shield designs with the motto GOD OUR TRUST; Mint Director James Pollock sent patterns of both kinds to Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase in December 1863, and Chase asked for the shield motto to read IN GOD WE TRUST. The reverse displays a wreath enclosing 2 CENTS. The 1863-dated pieces with IN GOD WE TRUST (J-316 to J-318) are, according to USPatterns, backdated pieces made around 1870. This group holds the pages for J-305, J-305var, J-306, J-307, J-308, J-309, J-310, J-311, J-312, J-312a, J-313, J-314, J-315, J-316, J-317 and J-318.