1868 Two Cent Patterns
Base
About This Coin
The 1868 Two Cent Patterns is a United States cent from the Reconstruction Era Patterns (1866-1869) series — 3rd of 4 years in the series. In 1868, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint. 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. Minted during Reconstruction and the Gilded Age, as the nation healed from civil war and debated the role of silver and gold in the monetary system. A notable auction result reached $14K in PR64 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by James Barton Longacre.
