1864 Two-Cent Piece — Large Motto

The First “IN GOD WE TRUST” Coin — A Civil War Sleeper Gem

Did you know there’s a Civil War-era coin that’s flown under the radar for years — a coin that was the first in U.S. history to carry the words “IN GOD WE TRUST”?

It’s called the 1864 Two-Cent Piece with Large Motto, and it’s what savvy collectors call a sleeper coin — a hidden gem overlooked by the masses but packed with historic and numismatic significance.

Let me tell you why.

Born from Crisis. Marked by Faith.

The year was 1864. The Civil War was tearing the nation apart. Banks were shuttering, paper money was mistrusted, and citizens hoarded every coin they could get. Amid the turmoil, the Secretary of the Treasury received countless letters from ministers and everyday Americans, pleading to recognize God on the nation’s currency.

The response?
For the first time ever, the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” was struck onto a U.S. coin — this very two-cent piece.

A Short-Lived Coin With a Big Legacy

The 2-cent piece was created to keep commerce alive when no one trusted paper notes. But after the war, it quickly faded from use and was discontinued in just 10 years — one of the shortest production runs in U.S. Mint history.

First-year issues like the 1864 Large Motto are especially desirable. But here’s the catch:
Most surviving examples are heavily worn, making high-quality specimens surprisingly scarce.

Why This Coin Belongs in Your Collection

 First coin to ever say “IN GOD WE TRUST”
 Civil War-era emergency issue
 Short production series (only 1864–1873)
 Underappreciated in the marketplace — a true sleeper!

With demand for historic U.S. coins rising, these coins are poised for a breakout — yet they remain shockingly affordable compared to other Civil War issues.