1866 Two Cent Piece
Base
About This Coin
The 1866 Two Cent Piece is a United States cent from the Two Cent Pieces 1864-1873 series — 3rd of 10 years in the series. In 1866, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 3.2 million. This ranks 8th of 10 years by total mintage, above the series median of 2.2 million. The obverse features a shield with a banner inscribed IN GOD WE TRUST — the first U.S. coin to bear this motto and the reverse displays a wreath enclosing 2 CENTS. Mintage fell sharply to about 3.2 million as the Shield Nickel gained acceptance and reduced demand for the two-cent piece. Struck in bronze, weighing 6.22 grams, 23 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have identified 2 known die varieties for this date, including die break, pre-cud. Produced 7 years before the celebrated 1873 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $25 to $612 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $3.2K in PR66BN grade at Stack's Bowers. Designed by James Barton Longacre.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
