1871 2C NGC MS65RB (CAC)

Gem Mint State 1871 Two-Cent Piece, CAC-Approved and Exceptionally Choice for the Issue. The 1871 Two-Cent piece represents the enduring Short Motto type introduced during the Civil War era, with James B. Longacre’s distinctive design presented here in impressive certified quality. The obverse features a bold shield surmounted by a scroll bearing the national motto IN GOD WE TRUST, framed by laurel elements below and the date 1871 at the base. On the reverse, the denomination 2 CENTS appears within a wheat wreath, surrounded by the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. This compact bronze issue remains one of the most historically resonant products of 19th-century U.S. coinage, as the two-cent denomination was the first federal coin to carry the motto. Certified MS65 Red-Brown by NGC and further endorsed by CAC, this example offers the kind of quality that advanced type and date collectors actively pursue. The surfaces are sharply preserved for the assigned grade, with strong mint luster still evident beneath an appealing blend of original red and mellow brown coloration. Design elements appear well brought up, with crisp central definition and pleasing visual balance throughout. The eye appeal is elevated by the combination of premium surface quality, attractive color, and the added assurance of CAC approval. Within the Two-Cent series, the 1871 issue is a popular late-date entry from a short-lived denomination struck only from 1864 through 1873. The series enjoys broad collector support thanks to its historical importance, distinctive design, and manageable scope, while premium Gem representatives are notably more elusive than lower-grade examples. As one of the final circulation issues before the denomination’s discontinuance, the 1871 coin occupies a desirable place in the set and appeals equally to type collectors seeking a high-end representative of this important bronze series. Collectors recognize that Red-Brown examples in true Gem preservation are far scarcer than more modest circulated or lower Mint State pieces, and CAC-approved coins become increasingly selective at this level. This is precisely the sort of coin that stands out in a specialized set: original, technically strong, and visually appealing, with the certification profile that today’s market rewards. A handsome and premium-quality 19th-century U.S. minor coin, this 1871 Two-Cent piece is an especially desirable acquisition for the collector seeking a CAC-approved Gem with originality and presence.