1. Category:
  2. Three-dimensional Objects (856)

1864 Two-cent Piece

Creator:
United States Mint
Location:
Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Origin Date:
1864
Materials:
metal
Measurements:
overall: 15/16 in diameter
Item ID:
71.2009.082.0886
Holding Institution:
Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, courtesy of the Indiana State Museum
Available for Viewing:
No
Category:
Three-dimensional Objects

Description

This coin is known as the In God We Trust two-cent piece first minted in 1864 during the administration of President Abraham Lincoln. The obverse side boasts the United States seal, which is topped with a banner reading “In God We Trust.” This is the first coin minted to bear this inscription. Beneath the seal is the imprinted 1864 date. The reverse side of the coin includes a wreath made of wheat in the center of which is the 2-cent face value. “United States of America” is arched over the top. This coin is one of sixteen different coins that were minted and placed into circulation during the administration of President Abraham Lincoln. Salmon P. Chase, President Lincoln's Secretary of the Treasury, is generally credited with having secured the necessary legislation on April 22, 1864, to include the "In God We Trust" motto on the coin. See short article in Lincoln Lore, issue number 1435, September, 1957, page 4. Two more examples are 71.2009.082.0842 and 71.2009.082.0885. Part of the Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, courtesy of the Indiana State Museum