Price Guide for 1869 Two Cents Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11.00 – $587.50Uncirculated: $81.00 – $1,599.00
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eBayCirculated: $17.50 – $257.00Uncirculated: $83.57 – $800.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $21.00 – $275.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $1,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.35 – $10,925.00
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eBayUncirculated: $480.00 – $2,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $375.00 – $13,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $460.00 – $690.00Uncirculated: $347.00 – $2,233.00
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eBayUncirculated: $436.52 – $1,175.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $340.00 – $5,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $60.00 – $907.50Uncirculated: $150.00 – $6,013.20
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eBayCirculated: $119.75Uncirculated: $220.00 – $795.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $350.00 – $11,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $546.00 – $22,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,375.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,050.00 – $26,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $529.00 – $1,762.50
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eBayCirculated: $117.00Uncirculated: $399.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $110.00 – $290.00Uncirculated: $315.00 – $1,100.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $660.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $1,800.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $969.38 – $15,275.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,200.00 – $5,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $60.00 – $173.00Uncirculated: $432.00 – $1,150.00
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eBayCirculated: $29.00 – $131.38
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $290.00Uncirculated: $315.00 – $1,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $480.00 – $2,585.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $360.00 – $3,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $460.00 – $43,200.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,000.00 – $2,152.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $575.00 – $36,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,040.00 – $9,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,850.00 – $10,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1869 Two Cents
The 1869 Two Cent piece was part of the Two Cent coin series, which was first introduced in 1864 during the Civil War. This coin is historically significant as it was the first U.S. coin to bear the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST”. By 1869, the coin’s popularity was declining due to the increasing circulation of nickel five-cent pieces and the return of silver coins to circulation after the Civil War.
| Weight | 6.22 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 23 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (all minted in Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc |
| Obverse Design | Shield with laurel wreath and ribbon, designed by James B. Longacre |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding 2 CENTS, designed by James B. Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition is crucial for the 1869 Two Cent piece. Coins in higher grades (MS63 and above) are significantly rarer and more valuable. Look for coins with:
– Sharp, well-defined details on the shield and wreath
– Minimal contact marks or scratches
– Original red or red-brown color, as opposed to dark brown
Proof coins are especially valuable, with deep mirrors and sharp strikes being highly desirable.
Mintage: 1,546,500
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Repunched Date variety known
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 600
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades PR65 and above
Varieties Errors: None widely reported
Market Demand: High, highly sought after by collectors
Several factors can increase the value of an 1869 Two Cent piece:
1. Original red color: Coins retaining their original mint red color are scarcer and more valuable.
2. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
3. Die varieties: The repunched date variety can command a premium.
4. Toning: Attractive, natural toning can enhance value, especially on proof issues.
5. Provenance: Coins with a notable ownership history may be more valuable.
As a scarcer date in the series, the 1869 Two Cent piece is popular among collectors trying to complete date sets of this short-lived denomination.
