RCD-2c-1864-02 Retained Cud

Description

Second retained cud cataloged for the 1864 Two Cent Piece with Large Motto, RCD-2c-1864-02 records a die rim failure from the inaugural year of this distinctive denomination. The two-cent piece, designed by James B. Longacre, holds a unique place in American numismatic history — it was the first United States coin to bear the motto IN GOD WE TRUST, establishing the precedent that would eventually extend to all American coinage. The 1864 Large Motto variety represents the standard production type, distinguished from the scarcer Small Motto variant that appeared early in the first year's production before the lettering was enlarged for improved legibility. Philadelphia — the sole mint producing two-cent pieces — struck approximately 19.85 million Large Motto examples in 1864, the highest mintage in the denomination's ten-year history as Civil War-era hoarding of silver and gold coins drove demand for copper-based small change. Longacre's design featured a federal shield with crossed arrows and olive branch on the obverse with the motto above, while the reverse presented a wreath encircling the denomination 2 CENTS. The relatively thick planchet and high-relief design of the two-cent piece created significant die stress during production, particularly on the obverse where the shield's detailed elements required substantial metal flow. Die rim fractures on early coinage like the 1864 two-cent piece are particularly noteworthy because they document the Mint's die manufacturing and maintenance practices during the Civil War era. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins with no known cross-references, this variety provides evidence that multiple dies experienced rim failure during the denomination's initial production year, complementing the first retained cud entry RCD-2c-1864-01.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Fred Weinberg
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References