1868 Two Cent Piece
Base
About This Coin
The 1868 Two Cent Piece is a United States cent from the Two Cent Pieces 1864-1873 series — 5th of 10 years in the series. In 1868, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 2.8 million. This ranks 6th 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. 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. Struck in bronze, weighing 6.22 grams, 23 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have identified 3 known die varieties for this date, including cud, retained cud. Produced 5 years before the celebrated 1873 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $30 to $612 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $5.5K in PR66 grade at Stack's. 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.
