1873 Two Cent Piece
Base
About This Coin
The 1873 Two Cent Piece is a United States cent from the Two Cent Pieces 1864-1873 series — the final year of the series. In 1873, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 1,100. This represents the lowest annual mintage in the entire series, below 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. Struck only in proof with approximately 600-1,100 pieces for collectors. The Coinage Act of 1873 formally abolished the denomination. Struck in bronze, weighing 6.22 grams, 23 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Estimated market value across variants is approximately $3.8K. A notable auction result reached $7.0K in PR66 grade at Heritage Auctions. 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.
