Shield Two-Cent Piece
Here you will find the basics for identifying this coin. Our full grading guide for it, the high points to check, common problems, and what to watch for, is still being researched. We add that detail only once we have checked it against trusted sources, so it is not on this page yet.
At a glance
| Denomination | Two-Cent Pieces |
|---|---|
| Common name | Two-cent piece |
| Years issued | 1864–1873 |
| Designer | James B. Longacre |
| Era | Civil War era (1864–1873) |
| Skill level | Intermediate |
What it looks like
A reference photo for identification. Click to enlarge. This is an example coin, not a graded specimen.
Same coin: 1865 two-cent piece
Want this guide sooner? The cross-cutting grading basics and how-to-grade lessons apply to every U.S. coin.