1864 Large Motto USA 2-cents Extra Fine (EF40) $

1864 Large Motto USA 2-cents Extra Fine (EF-40)

With the passing of the Coinage Act of 1864, the United States Congress permitted the design and production of a new denomination, the 2-cent coin. The 1864 2-cent coin was the first of the series, and was struck on April 22nd, 1864, only by the Philadelphia mint during its first year in circulation. The coin also marked the start of the known motto "In God We Trust." The motto was coined by Mint Director James Pollock as Congress charged him with creating a religious motto for US coins. Though other mottos were suggested by Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase, such as "Our Country: Our God" and "God, Our Trust," ultimately the agreement was made to go with "In God We Trust." The 2-cent coin never caught on with the public and was only minted for nine years from 1864 to 1873. 

The large motto is not easy to see since it's in a high-wear area. The "D' in "God" is a bit larger when compared to the small motto variety, and the first "T" in "Trust" is further away from the ribbon's fold than on the small motto variety. Additionally, the laurel wreath stem under the word "God" is visible on the small motto where whereas on the large motto variety, it is hidden. 

Obverse: Shield in a wreath and the United States Motto
Reverse: Face Value in a wheat ears wreath and country name

Specifications:
Composition: Bronze (95% Cu, 5% Sn and Zn) 
Engraver: James Barton Longacre 
Weight: 6.22 g 
Diameter: 23 mm 
Edge: Plain
Die Axis: ↑↓
Mint: United States Mint of Philadelphia 
Mintage: 19 847 500