Lot 1551
1864 Two Cents. NGC graded MS-66 Red & Brown. A superlative gem in all respects. The luster is virtually never ending, the pinkish and gold highlights vie with each other for dominance on this copper-bright gem, while the strike is essentially as sharp as you will ever find for the date. There are nice leaves in the two sides of the wreath, crisp horizontal and vertical lines and stripes in the Union shield, and full IN GOD WE TRUST (in large letters) on the scroll above. Spot-free, too, with excellent "eye appeal."
Lincoln's chances for reelection appeared dim for much of 1864, the year of this Two-cent piece. No president had won a second term since Andrew Jackson more than 30 years before. More importantly, Lincoln was weakened by widespread criticism of his handling of the war. Gold prices had soared with the military setbacks this year, signifying fear and uncertainty among power money interests. The voting when it ended, came out close in terms of ballots cast, with Lincoln receiving 2.1 million against George McClellan's 1.8 million. But in the electoral tally, which is all that matters in an American election, Lincoln won by a landslide 212 to 21 (with the 80 breakaway state electoral votes not cast).
Estimated Value $750 - 800.
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| Realized $1,035 |
