Tammy writes:Â How can you tell a “large” leaf civil war two penny from a small leaf one. The pictures look alike to us. How much is it worth. Thanks.
I think you are talking about the large and small motto United States Two Cent piece. The two cent piece made its debut in 1864 during the darkest time of the Civil War. It is the first United States coin to use the motto “In God We Trust”. When the coin was first issued the lettering in the legend was too small for the design and was enlarged in the same year and for all subsequent years. Here are some ways to tell the difference:
- Look at the “T” in trust. On the small motto, the “T” is very close to the crease of the ribbon. On the large motto the “T” is about 1mm from the crease.
- The “OD” in God are widely spaced on the small motto, the base of the “O” and “D” almost touch on the large motto.
- The shape of the “O” in God is round in the small motto and oval in the large motto.
- The leaf stem shows plainly on the small motto but doesn’t exist on the large motto.
The value depends on the state of preservation. Uncleaned average circulated Small Motto 2c coins range from $150-$300. Uncirculated, that means new, pieces are worth much more. Circulated Large Motto pieces are worth from $8-$15.
