Price Guide for 1870 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: $19.00 – $633.00Uncirculated: $94.00 – $1,725.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.50 – $280.00Uncirculated: $107.50 – $455.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $320.00Uncirculated: $335.00 – $2,350.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $353.00 – $748.00Uncirculated: $8.00 – $6,613.00
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eBayUncirculated: $425.00 – $635.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $340.00 – $8,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $72.60 – $98.00Uncirculated: $138.00 – $4,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $18.25 – $55.99Uncirculated: $325.00 – $1,855.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $375.00 – $5,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $587.50 – $11,750.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,680.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $425.00 – $45,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $312.00
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eBayCirculated: $309.00Uncirculated: $550.00 – $1,125.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $135.00 – $330.00Uncirculated: $360.00 – $700.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.35 – $3,738.00
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eBayUncirculated: $419.00 – $2,550.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $375.00 – $5,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $480.00 – $41,125.00
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eBayUncirculated: $912.00 – $3,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $575.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,300.00 – $24,675.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7,000.00 – $27,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1870 Two Cents
The 1870 Two Cent piece was part of the Two Cent coin series, which was first introduced in 1864. This coin holds historical significance as it was the first U.S. coin to bear the motto ‘IN GOD WE TRUST’. The year 1870 marked the penultimate year of regular production for this denomination, as it was becoming increasingly unpopular due to the rising availability of nickel five-cent pieces.
| Weight | 6.22 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 23 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc |
| Obverse Design | Shield with draped flags and arrows, designed by James B. Longacre |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding denomination '2 CENTS', designed by James B. Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1870 Two Cent pieces. Due to their age and limited circulation, high-grade examples are exceedingly rare. Coins in Mint State (MS) grades, particularly MS65 and above, command significant premiums.
For circulated coins, the presence of original red color can greatly enhance value. Coins with attractive, even toning are also highly desirable among collectors. The strike quality is an important factor, with well-struck examples fetching higher prices.
Mintage: 861,250
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 1,000
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades PR65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: High, particularly for cameo and deep cameo specimens
Provenance can significantly impact the value of 1870 Two Cent pieces. Coins with a documented history of ownership by notable collectors or inclusion in famous collections can command substantial premiums.
The proof issues from this year are particularly valuable, with cameo and deep cameo specimens being the most sought-after. These coins exhibit strong contrast between frosty devices and mirrored fields.
As one of the last years of regular production, the 1870 Two Cent piece holds special appeal for collectors attempting to complete date sets of this short-lived series, further driving demand and value for high-quality examples.
