Price Guide for 1872 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: $74.00 – $3,055.00Uncirculated: $600.00 – $10,350.00
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eBayCirculated: $134.00 – $2,070.00Uncirculated: $800.00 – $4,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $210.00 – $3,300.00Uncirculated: $3,400.00 – $10,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $374.00 – $920.00Uncirculated: $16.00 – $5,040.00
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eBayCirculated: $699.00 – $910.00Uncirculated: $599.95 – $2,650.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $180.00 – $325.00Uncirculated: $400.00 – $6,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $276.00 – $1,380.00Uncirculated: $1,265.00 – $18,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3,775.00 – $5,105.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,750.00 – $12,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,495.00 – $72,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $15,000.00 – $85,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $455.00 – $1,410.00Uncirculated: $2,640.00 – $9,106.25
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eBayCirculated: $437.00 – $794.30
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,300.00 – $3,300.00Uncirculated: $3,400.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,640.00 – $12,925.00
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eBayUncirculated: $4,301.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,500.00 – $8,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,760.00 – $1,870.00Uncirculated: $5.65 – $6,900.00
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eBayUncirculated: $775.00 – $2,700.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $600.00 – $11,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $805.00 – $45,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $825.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5,175.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,000.00 – $5,750.00
Design and Specifications of the 1872 Two Cents
The 1872 Two Cent piece represents one of the final years of this short-lived denomination. Introduced in 1864 during the Civil War, it was the first U.S. coin to bear the motto ‘IN GOD WE TRUST’. By 1872, the coin’s popularity had significantly waned due to the increasing circulation of nickel five-cent pieces and the return of silver coins to circulation after the war.
This year marks the penultimate issue of the Two Cent piece for circulation, with only a small number produced in 1873 for collectors before the denomination was officially discontinued.
| 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 motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' above, designed by James B. Longacre |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding '2 CENTS' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', designed by James B. Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of an 1872 Two Cent piece dramatically impacts its value. Due to its low mintage and age, finding high-grade examples is extremely challenging. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 or better) are particularly valuable and sought after by collectors.
Key factors affecting condition include:
– Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
– Surface preservation: Minimal contact marks or scratches increase value.
– Luster: Original mint luster significantly enhances appeal and value.
– Color: Attractive, original red or red-brown color is highly prized.
Mintage: 65,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Rarity and historical significance play crucial roles in the 1872 Two Cent piece’s value:
1. Low mintage: With only 65,000 minted, it’s one of the key dates in the series.
2. End of an era: As the last readily collectible date in the series, it holds special appeal.
3. Survival rate: Many were likely melted or lost, making high-grade survivors especially rare.
4. Collection completion: Essential for collectors aiming to complete the Two Cent series.
These factors combine to make the 1872 Two Cent piece a highly sought-after coin in the numismatic market, particularly in higher grades.
