1864 2C Small Motto, RD MS(PCGS#3581)

August 2021 ANA U.S. Coins Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

1231

等级

MS64RD

价格

21,768

详细说明

1864 Two-Cent Piece. FS-401. Small Motto. MS-64 RD (PCGS). Amazing full Red Mint State preservation for this scarce and historic hub type from the beginning of two-cent piece coinage. Bathed in deep, rich rose-orange color, both sides are generally smooth with only a few minor reverse spots that are out of the way toward the border. Obverse impression drawn trivially to 1 o'clock, although the strike is universally sharp over all design elements. 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 of the Civil War. Struck in bronze, the new denomination was not subject to hoarding and, as such, initially proved popular in commerce. After the War, however, production rapidly dropped off until the two-cent piece was ultimately consigned to the history books in 1873. While plans for the new denomination were being finalized, Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase had heard the appeals of Reverend Mark R. Watkinson of Pennsylvania and decided that the new two-cent coin would include a statement of faith, ultimately settling on IN GOD WE TRUST. The new coin was ready by 1864 and the first versions introduced bore the motto on the obverse in small letters on a ribbon above the shield, flanked by laurel sprays. Not long after its debut, the obverse hub was modified to render the letters somewhat larger, and this hub became the standard for the rest of the short-lived series. The 1864 is the most plentiful date in this series, and as a first year issue it is popular for type purposes. The Small Motto variety, however, is an important rarity. Scarce in circulated grades, the 1864 Small Motto is very scarce in Mint State with either a BN or RB color designation. Full Red coins are very rare, particularly in the finest Mint State grades, as here. Provenance: From the Silver Springs Collection. PCGS# 3581. NGC ID: 22N8. Click here for certification details from PCGS.