Two and Three Cents

U.S. Two and Three Cent Coins

Explore U.S. Two and Three Cent Coins for Sale at LCR Coin, featuring historic Two-Cent Pieces, Three-Cent Silver Pieces, and Three-Cent Nickel Pieces authenticated and graded by PCGS, NGC, and CAC.

These distinctive denominations represent a fascinating period in American numismatic history. Introduced during the nineteenth century, two and three cent coins reflect changing commercial needs, the challenges of the Civil War, and the United States Mint's efforts to provide practical small-denomination coinage.

Although these denominations circulated for relatively short periods, they remain popular among collectors of early American coins, obsolete denominations, and historic U.S. type sets.

Two-Cent Pieces (1864–1873)

The U.S. Two-Cent Piece was introduced in 1864 during the American Civil War, when widespread coin hoarding had created a severe shortage of circulating change.

As gold, silver, and even copper coins disappeared from everyday commerce, the United States Mint introduced a new two-cent denomination made primarily of copper.

Designed by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver James B. Longacre, the obverse features a shield surrounded by a wreath, while the reverse displays a large numeral 2 within a wheat wreath.

The Two-Cent Piece holds a particularly important place in American history as the first circulating United States coin to feature the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Introduced during the Civil War, the inscription reflected the nation's religious and cultural sentiments during a period of profound division.

Produced from 1864 through 1873, the series includes several notable varieties and scarce issues. The 1864 Small Motto and Large Motto varieties are especially well known, while the 1873 issue was struck only in Proof format.

Collectors pursue certified Two-Cent Pieces for their historical significance, distinctive design, and place in the evolution of American coinage.

Three-Cent Silver Pieces (1851–1873)

The Three-Cent Silver Piece, sometimes called the Trime, was introduced in 1851 to facilitate small transactions, including the purchase of three-cent postage stamps.

Designed by James B. Longacre, the coin features a six-pointed star on the obverse and a Roman numeral III on the reverse.

The Three-Cent Silver Piece is the smallest silver denomination issued for regular circulation by the United States Mint. Its unusual size and distinctive design make it a recognizable part of nineteenth-century American coinage.

The series underwent several design and composition changes during its production. Early issues contained 75% silver, while coins struck beginning in 1854 contained 90% silver.

During the Civil War, silver coinage largely disappeared from circulation as precious metals were hoarded. Production of Three-Cent Silver Pieces declined substantially, and later issues were struck in very limited quantities.

The series was discontinued in 1873, leaving collectors with a relatively short but historically important chapter in American silver coinage.

Collectors seek Three-Cent Silver Pieces by date, grade, and design type, including the Type I, Type II, and Type III varieties.

Three-Cent Nickel Pieces (1865–1889)

The Three-Cent Nickel Piece was introduced in 1865 as the United States continued to address shortages of small-denomination coins during the final year of the Civil War.

Unlike the earlier silver three-cent denomination, the new coin was struck in a copper-nickel composition, making it more practical for everyday circulation during a period when silver coins were frequently hoarded.

Designed by James B. Longacre, the obverse features a portrait of Liberty wearing a coronet, while the reverse displays a Roman numeral III surrounded by a wreath.

Three-Cent Nickel Pieces were produced from 1865 through 1889, with substantial mintages during the early years of the series and significantly smaller production figures in later years.

The series includes scarce dates and Proof issues that appeal to collectors of nineteenth-century U.S. coinage.

Today, certified Three-Cent Nickel Pieces are collected for their unusual denomination, distinctive design, and historical connection to the changing monetary system of post-Civil War America.

Collecting Certified Two and Three Cent Coins

Two and three cent coins offer collectors an opportunity to explore denominations that are no longer part of everyday American commerce.

Some collectors assemble complete date sets, while others focus on representative examples of each design type. Important considerations include original mintage, surviving population, condition, strike quality, and recognized varieties.

The historical significance of these denominations also makes them attractive additions to collections of Civil War-era coinage, early U.S. silver coins, and classic American type sets.

Professional certification by PCGS, NGC, and CAC provides independent authentication and grading, helping collectors evaluate available examples.

Explore Two and Three Cent Coins at LCR Coin

Browse our selection of Certified U.S. Two and Three Cent Coins, including copper Two-Cent Pieces, Three-Cent Silver Pieces, and Three-Cent Nickel Pieces.

Whether completing a nineteenth-century type set, searching for a scarce date or variety, or adding an unusual denomination to an established collection, explore our available historic U.S. two and three cent coins.