1865 Two Cent Piece – Fancy 5 – AU – Raw – Civil War Era U.S. Copper Coin

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.