shopper approved
    2901.52
    11.68
    32.33
    0.04
    1001.08
    12.00
    1009.6
    11.90

    1873 Two-Cent Piece

    As far as US coins are concerned, they do not really get more sought after than the two-cent piece. This coin is desirable not only due to its unique face value, but also due to its historical significance. Furthering this desirability is the fact that the coins were only produced during a ten-year period towards the end of the 19th century. As such, it goes without saying that there have always only been a limited number on the market.

    Nowadays, collectors seek out these coins regardless of their condition. With that much being said, those few that have survived the years without accruing a lot of damage are the absolute most sought after. Though there isn’t a crazy amount of these well-preserved pieces left, they can still be found.

    As for what the coin looks like, the design is quite simple. On the obverse side you will find the raised image of the US Seal. A banner that appears to be blown by the wind is featured above the Seal and features a raised inscription which reads “In God We Trust.” Below the Seal is the 1873 year of minting. On the coin’s reverse there is a wheat wreath in the center. In the middle of the wreath is the 2-cent face value, while the words “United States of America” arch overtop.

    Being that 1873 was, technically, the last year during which the coin was produced, they have only ever been available in proof form. As you might expect, 1873 featured one of the fewest quantities of two-cent coins minted.

    Grading the 1873 Two-Cent Piece

    When it comes to the 1873 two-cent piece, one of the only things that matters to collectors is the condition which the coin is in. As was mentioned previously, many of those two-cent pieces that were produced in 1873 have survived the years, however not in great shape. Being that the condition of a coin is of the utmost importance to collectors, almost every 1873 two-cent piece coin you find will have been graded. The following will introduce you to different coin grades as well as what they mean.

    Uncirculated: If a coin is determined to be of Uncirculated grade, this means that the piece was never exchanged on the open market. Basically, the piece was taken right from the US Mint and placed into safekeeping. As such, these coins will be in pristine condition and show absolutely no signs of wear and tear.

    Extremely Fine: A coin that is determined to be of Extremely Fine grade is one that might have seen a small amount of time in circulation, but not very much at all. These coins will appear to be flawless, however upon closer inspection the grader will be able to make out some small imperfections, some of which may not be visible to the naked eye.

    Fine: A coin that has been graded Fine is one that will show some visible damage due to its having been circulated. With that said, the visible damage will be light, especially when you consider that the coin has been around for more than 100 years. Despite their somewhat low grade, 1873 Fine two-cent pieces are highly sought after.

    Good: A coin that is determined to be of Good grade is one that will show plenty of signs of wear and tear. From scratching, to chipping, and even the wearing down, or smoothing, of the coin’s surface, this type of piece will have it all.

    Pricing the 1873 Two-Cent Piece

    As for how much a graded 1873 two-cent piece will cost, that much depends on the grade it receives. Naturally, the better the grade the more expensive the coin is going to be. Still, even those coins on the lower end of the grade spectrum will carry a decent price tag simply due to the coin’s age and historical significance.

    All Market Updates are provided as a third party analysis and do not necessarily reflect the explicit views of JM Bullion Inc. and should not be construed as financial advice.