Description:
Offered here is a raw 1871 Two Cent Piece, graded Very Good (VG) by visual assessment. As one of the final two years of the short-lived Two Cent series, this coin is increasingly difficult to find in any grade. It features visible legends, date, and design elements despite clear wear, and remains a must-have for collectors seeking to complete a full date set or add a scarce late-issue type.
Specifications:
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Denomination: Two Cents
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Year of Issue: 1871
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Mint: Philadelphia (no mintmark)
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Series: Two Cent Piece (1864–1873)
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Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc
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Diameter: 23.0 mm
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Weight: 6.22 grams
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Grade: Raw – Very Good (VG)
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Certification: Not certified
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Holder: Supplied in archival 2x2 flip
Highlights:
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Scarce late-date issue with just over 865,000 struck
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VG detail with visible “IN GOD WE TRUST” motto and full date
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Designed by James B. Longacre — a defining figure in 19th-century U.S. coinage
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Among the lowest-mintage circulation coins in the series
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A classic and affordable example for collectors of historic U.S. types
Historical Note:
The Two Cent Piece, introduced during the Civil War in 1864, was the first coin to carry the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.” By 1871, the denomination was in steep decline, used primarily in limited commercial channels and quickly phased out. Only 865,000 coins were minted in 1871 — making it one of the lowest-issue years.
Despite their age and rarity, these coins still offer an affordable opportunity to hold a tangible piece of post-war American monetary history. The 1871 issue is particularly important for collectors completing full-date sets or focusing on end-of-series coins.
Building a 19th-century copper set or a complete Two Cent collection? This 1871 fills a key spot with honest wear and historical weight.
