1864 Two-Cent Piece. Large Motto. MS-67 BN (PCGS). CAC.This is a glorious example of one of the shortest-lived denominations in U.S. coinage history. Satiny and smooth surfaces exhibit dominant medium brown patina that is a bit bolder on the obverse. Direct lighting angles also call forth mottled highlights of pale gold, powder blue, champagne-apricot and pinkish-rose -- highly attractive. Fully struck and expertly preserved, this is a virtually pristine Superb Gem that would do justice to the finest type set. The two-cent piece made its debut in 1864 at a time when gold and silver coinage had long since been absent from circulation in the Eastern and Midwestern states due to the economic turmoil and uncertainty brought about by the Civil War. Struck in bronze, the new denomination was not subject to hoarding and, as such, initially proved popular in commercial channels. Mintages were correspondingly high in 1864 and 1865, but with the end of the Civil War in the latter year, production fell off rapidly through the series end in 1873. The 1864 is the most plentiful date in this series, and as a first year issue it is understandably popular for type purposes. Most survivors of the year’s Proof and circulation strike deliveries are examples of the Large Motto hub variety, which replaced its short-lived Small Motto predecessor that the Mint used to strike the first few Proofs and a limited number of circulation strikes (Walter Breen, 1988, says only "a few thousand"). Although plentiful in an absolute sense, the 1864 Large Motto is rare in the finest Mint State grades, as here. Indeed, this lovely Superb Gem is the single finest example known to PCGS in the BN category, and it is also the top plate coin in this category on the <em>PCGS CoinFacts</em> website. A lovely coin in all regards that will please even the most discerning numismatist.<p>From the Cardinal Collection Educational Foundation.
