Description:
Offered here is a raw 1865 Two Cent Piece, featuring the desirable Fancy 5 variety, in About Uncirculated (AU)condition. This coin displays sharp detail, strong definition in the motto and shield, and just light wear on the high points. A beautiful and increasingly scarce example of post-Civil War American coinage, this variety is especially appealing to collectors of 19th-century U.S. type and die varieties.
Specifications:
-
Denomination: Two Cents
-
Year of Issue: 1865
-
Mint: Philadelphia (no mintmark)
-
Variety: Fancy 5 (distinctive curved and stylized “5” in the date)
-
Series: Two Cent Piece (1864–1873)
-
Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc
-
Diameter: 23.0 mm
-
Weight: 6.22 grams
-
Grade: Raw – About Uncirculated (AU)
-
Certification: Not certified
-
Holder: Supplied in archival 2x2 flip
Highlights:
-
Fancy 5 variety – features the distinctive, ornate style “5” in the date
-
AU condition – strong details with minimal high-point friction
-
Bold strike with well-preserved legends and sharp denticles
-
One of the most collectible dates in the Two Cent series
-
Features the full “IN GOD WE TRUST” motto – a U.S. numismatic first
-
Excellent type coin or variety upgrade for advanced collectors
Historical Note:
The Two Cent Piece series, struck from 1864 to 1873, was created during the Civil War and introduced the now-standard motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The 1865 Fancy 5 is a well-known variety where the numeral “5” appears with dramatic curvature and stylization, resulting from hand-punched date differences during die preparation.
With over 13 million 1865 Two Cent Pieces minted, only a portion carry the Fancy 5 variety — and high-grade examples are especially sought after today. This AU coin bridges the gap between circulated affordability and near-Mint presentation.
Looking for more Civil War-era coins or Two Cent varieties? Browse our inventory or message us with your collecting goals.
