1864 Two Cent Piece - Large Motto - RCD-2c-1864-05 Retained Cud

Description

Cataloged by the Cuds on Coins attribution service, RCD-2c-1864-05 records a die rim failure on the first year of this short-lived denomination. The two cent piece was authorized by the Act of April 22, 1864, and holds the distinction of being the first United States coin to bear the motto IN GOD WE TRUST — rendered on the obverse banner, in smaller letters on the earliest dies (the Small Motto) and larger letters afterward (the Large Motto), above the heraldic shield designed by James B. Longacre. Philadelphia was the sole mint facility striking two cent pieces, and the 1864 Large Motto variety saw substantial production as the denomination met strong initial public acceptance during the Civil War-era coin shortage that had driven many fractional currency and private token substitutes into circulation. The 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc alloy matched the cent composition, and the relatively large planchet size (23mm diameter) combined with the deeply sculpted shield obverse and wreath reverse demanded considerable striking pressure to produce fully detailed impressions. A retained cud forms when the cracked die section breaks free and sinks below the surrounding surface while being held in place, creating a raised plateau on every coin struck thereafter. Collectors should examine the rim under magnification, identifying the retained cud as a raised shelf whose design sits above, or out of line with, the crisp, well-defined impression on adjacent undamaged rim areas.

External References