Coin and Paper Money Collecting/1864 two cent coin- 3 errors???
Expert: PAPAJACK - 3/23/2009
Question
I have a 1864 two cent piece and I'm really curious about this errors. First there is no "S" on CENTS, second there seems to be a die error on the wheat that runs to the coin rim and third the letter "E" on CENTS to be awkward compared to other 1864 two cents. Please need your help on this coin! Thank You
Answer
Hello J.,
I cannot positively help you without seeing the coin in person.
From the description and image you sent these are all explainable conditions that exist in every type of coin produced.
The No S on the word CENTS and The E looking “to be awkward” look like they were struck through some grease or made by a filled die. There is no way the entire letter S was missing from the dies when they were in use.
I am not sure what “die errors” you mention is on the wheat in the question you asked but all dies do wear and many will crack from fatigue before actually breaking.
These die cracks do show on the coins made by them as a minor imperfection or a raised area that was filled in by the flowing copper metal when the coin was struck.
If the die fully broke and a section fell away it is called a ‘CUD ERROR’. But this picture makes it look like a well worn die crack.
There is a book I do not own on the Two Cent pieces you can look for.
“Longacre’s Two-cent Piece: 1864 Attribution Guide” by Frank Leone. 1997. 248 pp.
And
“The Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins” by Walter Breen
So of the conditions I describe as possible on the coin here DO NOT make this coin any more valuable than an 1864 Two Cent coin that was properly struck at the US Mint. They are all mechanical defects not die errors.
If you want a dealer to look at the piece for you just write and give me the nearest large Cities, some postal zip codes and telephone area codes I will refer you to an expert in your area.
Mark your question as private.
Thank You and Good Luck,
PapaJack