Whitman Expo
1872 2 Cents MS RB Values
Details
The 1872 is the key date for the Two Cent Series as well as being the final year of issue for the denomination. It is also the lowest mintage for the series by far with just 65,000 coins produced in 1872. Scarce in all grades and turning into true rarity as it climbs the Mint State grades into gem territory. Slightly tougher to find with red-brown color as opposed to brown; but, far more rare in full red.
Obverse: An ornate shield flanked on the left and right by leaves with arrow heads and shanks (crossed behind) appear protruding at the four corners. A ribbon above the shield bears the words IN GOD WE TRUST, making this coin design the first usage this now-ubiquitous motto. The date is positioned at the bottom center.
Reverse: A large numeral 2 with the word CENTS below (smaller) in the center is framed by a well-defined wheat wreath tied at the bottom center by a simple ribbon. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA appears around the periphery.
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
65,000
Coinage Type:
Two cent piece
Coinage Years:
1864-1872
Composition:
0.95 copper; 0.05 tin & zinc
Physical Characteristics
Weight:
6.22 gr
Weight:
0.2 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
23 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
James B. Longacre
Obverse Lettering:
IN GOD WE TRUST, 1872
Obverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
Reverse Lettering:
2, CENTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Reverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
Feedback:
![Red Book Podcast with John Feigenbaum and Jeff Garrett [Video]](https://images.greysheet.com/l/blogs/20260417/b30b4ba0-dc36-41c3-9c77-c26fa7c27498.png)
