The Two Cent Piece was designed by James B. Longacre, and is composted of .950 copper and .050 tin and zinc. The Two Cent piece was struck from 1864 through 1873. There are two varieties of Two Cent pieces in 1864, the Large Motto variety and the Small Motto Variety. Along with the rare, sought after, Small Motto Variety of 1864, the 1873 proof only closed three and 1873 Restrike are the most valuable of the series. Due to the increased religious sentiment during the Civil War, the motto, IN GOD WE TRUST, on the two cent piece, appeared for the first time on a new coin. The Two Cent piece is one of the shortest lived issues of United States coinage.