1864 Two Cent Piece - Large Motto - RCD-2c-1864-02 Retained Cud

Description

Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, 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 Large Motto is the standard 1864 type; the Small Motto came first, from a prototype die. Longacre's design featured a shield with crossed arrows and laurel branches 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. Cuds on Coins lists no cross-reference for it.

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