1864 Coin (Archaeological Find)

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In the hurried production of the coin, some of the 1864 minted pieces were accidentally made with a smaller motto.

Many people, filled with uncertainty about the nation’s future, turned to religion. As such, the 2-cent coin was the first to bear the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST," which is now a standard on coins.

Memorial Hall was built to commemorate the lives of Harvard students and alumni who gave their lives to fight in the Civil War.

Title:

1864 Coin

Subject:

The 2-cent coin was only in circulation from 1864-1873. During this time period, the nation was embroiled in the Civil War and its immediate aftermath. The 2-cent coin was a departure from previous denominations and it is hypothesized that public acceptance of the coin was due to extreme shortage of coins during the War. The coin was most in demand from 1864-1866 and waned in popularity as the country recovered from the economic strifes of wartime. This particular coin was found at Harvard University, a school that was deeply affected by the Civil War. Harvard students and alumni served in the 20th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment beginning in 1861. Harvard affiliates fought on both sides of the war and a total of 1,662 men served. Of these men, 246 died and the 20th Massachusetts regiment is known for its high casualties. Although the men of Harvard were not pressured to join the cause, many chose to enlist, as did many alumni. Classes at Harvard continued during the war and the students who survived the carnage returned to graduate with their classmates. To commemorate the sacrifice that many Harvard men made for the Union, Memorial Hall was erected and dedicated in 1874. The names of Harvard men who fought for the Union are listed on plaques that are still on display in Memorial Hall today.

Source:

Giedroyc, Richard. "Two and Three Cents: Two Cent." Home Page - PCGS CoinFact. PCGS CoinFacts, n.d. Web. 05 Apr. 2017. <http://www.pcgscoinfacts.com/Hierarchy.aspx?c=670&title=Two+Cent>.
"History of 'In God We Trust'." U.S. Department of the Treasury. N.p., 8 Mar. 2011. Web. 05 Apr. 2017. <https://www.treasury.gov/about/education/Pages/in-god-we-trust.aspx>.
Ireland, Corydon. "Blue, Gray, and Crimson." Harvard Gazette. Harvard University, 21 Mar. 2012. Web. 5 Apr. 2017. <http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2012/03/blue-gray-and-crimson/>.
"Two-cent Piece (United States)." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 14 Jan. 2017. Web. 05 Apr. 2017. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-cent_piece_(United_States)>.

Object Name:

1864 Coin

Inventory Description:

This is an 1864 2-cent coin. This 2-cent coin was minted in 1864 and is made up mostly of copper with some tin and zinc. The coin was designed by James Barton Longacre.

Peabody Number:

2016.29.401

Culture/Period:

1864

Intrasite:

H935 Level 3

Depth:

63-73cm

Class 1:

Metal

Class 2:

Personal

Class 3:

Coin

Quantity:

Height (cm):

2.2

Width (cm):

2.2

Depth/Thickness (cm):

Collection:

2017 Assignment 2