1865 2C Fancy 5 Two Cent Piece PCGS MS65RD

A visually arresting Gem Red example of the coveted 1865 Fancy 5 Two Cent Piece, certified PCGS MS65 RD. The 1865 two-cent issue represents the second year of this short-lived and historically important U.S. denomination, struck at Philadelphia and bearing James B. Longacre’s distinctive shield motif. The obverse displays the Union shield with draped scroll inscribed IN GOD WE TRUST, flanked by olive branches and crossed arrows, with the date 1865 below. This type is of enduring significance as the first regular-issue United States coin to feature the motto “In God We Trust.” The reverse presents a bold central 2 within a grain wreath, encircled by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination CENTS. Of special importance here is the Fancy 5 date style, identifiable by the dramatic dipped upper-right portion of the 5, creating the characteristic “flip” at the point—an attribution eagerly sought by specialists in the series. Certified MS65 RD by PCGS, this piece offers the level of preservation and visual quality advanced collectors demand. The surfaces are exceptionally well preserved for the issue, with sharp design definition throughout and pleasing uniformity across both sides. Lustrous original mint brilliance radiates beneath rich orange-red and copper-gold coloration, with deeper auburn accents at the margins and around the devices that enhance the coin’s depth and contrast. The strike is notably crisp on the shield lines, wreath details, and lettering, and the fields retain an appealing satiny glow. Overall eye appeal is outstanding, with the full Red designation underscoring its originality and premium quality. The two-cent series enjoys a loyal following thanks to its Civil War-era origins, brief production span from 1864 to 1873, and status as a compact but highly collectible 19th-century U.S. set. Within that series, the 1865 Fancy 5 variety has long attracted added attention from date-style specialists and variety collectors, especially those assembling advanced type-and-variety holdings. With a substantial original mintage of 13,640,000 pieces, the issue is obtainable in circulated grades, but genuinely choice full Red Gems are far more elusive and command considerable respect in the marketplace. Population data further confirms the select status of this coin. PCGS reports a population of just 8 examples in MS65 RD, with only 35 graded finer. That places this piece in a scarce upper tier for the variety, particularly desirable for collectors who value both technical quality and certified condition rarity. The Fancy 5 attribution adds another layer of numismatic interest beyond the standard date, making this a compelling offering for specialists in bronze and copper issues of the Reconstruction era. An exceptional certified Gem of a popular Civil War-era denomination, this 1865 Fancy 5 Two Cent Piece combines originality, color, variety appeal, and upper-end preservation in a manner certain to attract discerning collectors.