1867 Two Cent Piece - RCD-2c-1867-03R Retained Cud

Description

Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, RCD-2c-1867-03R captures a reverse die rim failure during the denomination's declining production years. The "R" suffix identifies this as a reverse retained cud on James B. Longacre's design. Philadelphia produced approximately 2.94 million Two Cent Pieces in 1867, far fewer than in 1864 and 1865, as the three-cent and five-cent nickels took over its role. The retained cud condition represents a die rim fracture where the broken segment has come loose from the die body but is held in place, producing a raised area on struck coins that retains its original design impression while showing the displacement characteristic of a die break. No cross-references from other attribution services exist for this variety. The Two Cent Piece's reverse design — featuring "2 CENTS" within a wreath — places detailed design elements close to the rim, and the wreath's fine leaf detail near the die periphery creates stress concentrations that can initiate rim cracking. The motto IN GOD WE TRUST on the obverse banner first appeared on this coin. Collectors should inspect the reverse rim under 5-10x magnification for an elevated area that displays both displacement from the normal rim plane and faint traces of the wreath design, confirming the retained rather than fully separated cud condition.

External References