Two Cents 1864, Coin from United States - detailed information

The obverse design shows, within a beaded border, Longacre's version of the Great Seal of the United States.

His design focuses on the shield, or escutcheon, as a defensive weapon, signifying strength and self-protection through unity. The upper part of the shield, or "chief", symbolises Congress, while the 13 vertical stripes, or "paleways", represent the states (originally, there were 13 states); consequently the entire escutcheon symbolises the strength of the federal government through the unity of the states.

The crossed arrows represent non-aggression, but imply readiness against attack. The laurel branches around, taken from Greek tradition, symbolise victory. In heraldic engraving, vertical lines represent red, clear areas white and horizontal lines blue, thus the escutcheon is coloured red, white and blue and is meant to evoke the American flag.

The ribbon above the shield is inscribed with the national motto IN GOD WE TRUST; below the shield, the date of issue: 1864.

Within a beaded border, the reverse contains the value and denomination 2 CENTS at centre, surrounded by an ornate wheat wreath.

Around above, the name of the country: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Proof mintage is an estimate.