Two Cent Types (1864-1873)
From CoinFactsWiki
The two-cent denomination was first conceived in 1836, in which year a number of interesting patterns were made. However, it was not until the 1860s that definite steps were taken toward producing pieces for circulation.
In 1863, Director of the Mint James Pollock urged the coinage of a two-cent piece, believing that it would be a great convenience for the public. At the time cents were scarce in circulation, and countless Civil War tokens, mostly bronze, were seen in everyday change. Silver coins, following the suspension of specie payments, did not circulate, so it was believed that a bronze two-cent piece, which presumably would not be hoarded, would be of great public utility.
Numerous patterns were made for the proposed two-cent piece, including several varieties featuring the bust of George Washington surrounded by the legend GOD AND OUR COUNTRY. As part of the Mint Act of April 22, 1864, a design by James B. Longacre featuring an obverse with a heraldic shield and arrows and a reverse with wreath of wheat was adopted. On the obverse appeared IN GOD WE TRUST on a ribbon, the first use of this motto on a coin made for circulation.
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