The two-cent piece was a short-lived coin minted by the United States Mint for circulation from 1864 to 1872 and for collectors in 1873. Here's a summary of its key features:

• Value: 2 cents (US $0.02)
• Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
• Weight: 6.22 grams
• Diameter: 23.00 millimeters
• Edge: Plain

Design:

• Obverse (front): Featured a variant of the Great Seal of the United States designed by James B. Longacre.
• Reverse (back): Displayed a denomination numeral "2" within a wreath, along with the year of minting.

Reasons for Short Minting Run:

• The two-cent piece wasn't very popular due to several factors:
  • Public confusion about its value compared to the similar-sized one-cent piece.
  • Inconvenience of carrying large quantities of the relatively low-value coins for small purchases.
  • The five-cent nickel, introduced in 1866, provided a more convenient alternative for small transactions.

Varieties and Collecting:

• While not initially popular, the two-cent piece has gained interest among collectors due to its limited mintage and design variations.
• There are differences in lettering size and design elements depending on the year and mint location (all were minted in Philadelphia).
• The 1872 issue, with the lowest mintage, is especially sought after.

Value Today:

• The value of a two-cent piece depends on its condition (grade), year of issue, and rarity.
• Common circulated examples can be found for a few dollars, while uncirculated specimens or rare varieties can bring hundreds of dollars.