How to Integrate a New Purchase: 1870 2 Cent Piece PCGS MS65+BN CAC Pop 2, 0 Higher into a Master Type Set

Building a type set is the ultimate journey through history. Let’s look at the best way to represent this design in your collection. When I first laid eyes on this 1870 2 Cent Piece—graded PCGS MS65+BN with a CAC sticker and a population of just 2 with none higher—I knew immediately that this wasn’t just another slot filler. It was a statement piece. A coin that demands attention, commands respect, and elevates the entire narrative of any type set it calls home.

As type set collectors, we face a constant tension: do we pursue the absolute finest known examples, or do we build a cohesive, budget-conscious collection that still tells a compelling story? This 1870 2 Cent Piece sits squarely at the intersection of that debate, and today I want to walk you through everything you need to know about integrating a trophy-level coin like this into your collection—whether you’re working within a Dansco album framework or curating a high-end registry set.

The 1870 2 Cent Piece: A Numismatic Rarity Hiding in Plain Sight

Before we get into the mechanics of type set integration, let’s talk about why this specific coin matters. The Two Cent Piece series, minted from 1864 to 1873, holds a special place in American numismatic history. It was the first U.S. coin to bear the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and it emerged during the turbulent Reconstruction era following the Civil War.

The 1870 issue had a mintage of just 1,335,000 pieces—modest by modern standards, but not extraordinarily low for the era. What makes this date exceptional in mint condition is survival rate. Most 1870 Two Cent Pieces saw heavy circulation or were simply lost to time. To find one grading MS65+BN with CAC approval is genuinely remarkable.

Understanding the Grading and Population Significance

Let me break down what that designation actually means for your type set:

• PCGS MS65+BN: The “+” designation from PCGS indicates this coin sits at the very top of the MS65 grade—essentially a premium example that nearly crosses into MS66 territory. “BN” (Brown) means the coin has fully original, uncleaned surfaces with natural brown patina.
• CAC Sticker: CAC (Certified Acceptance Corporation) only approves coins that are solid or premium for their assigned grade. A green CAC sticker on an MS65+ coin tells you this is a truly exceptional specimen—not just a technical grade, but a coin with genuine eye appeal.
• Population of 2, None Higher: This is the critical number. Only two examples have achieved this grade level at PCGS, and no piece has ever graded higher. In type set collecting, population rarity is everything.

When forum members called this coin “eye-popping,” “gorgeous,” and said it “has the look,” they were responding to exactly what CAC evaluates: that ineffable quality that separates a technically graded coin from a genuinely beautiful one.

Why Two Cent Pieces Deserve a Place in Every Type Set

I’ve been building type sets for over two decades, and I can tell you that the Two Cent Piece is one of the most undervalued series in American numismatics. Forum members noted this repeatedly—calling it an “underappreciated series” and “one of my favorite copper pieces.” They’re absolutely right.

The Two Cent Piece fills a unique niche in type collecting:

• It’s the smallest-diameter U.S. coin ever produced for circulation (23mm)
• It represents a pivotal moment in American history—the first coinage of the “IN GOD WE TRUST” motto
• It was minted during a period of significant monetary experimentation following the Civil War
• The series is completable in circulated grades, making it accessible to collectors at all budget levels

For type set purposes, you only need one example to represent the design. The question is: which example best tells the story?

Choosing the Best Strike for Your Type Set

This is where philosophy meets practicality. When selecting a Two Cent Piece for your type set, you need to consider several factors beyond just the grade on the holder.

The Strike Quality Factor

The 1870 Two Cent Piece should show sharp details in the shield’s vertical lines, clear lettering around the rim, and well-defined wheat ears on the reverse. In my experience grading and evaluating these pieces, the strike can vary significantly—even within the same date.

Look for these specific strike characteristics:

1. Shield Detail: The vertical stripes on the obverse shield should be fully separated and sharp, not mushy or merged
2. Motto Clarity: “IN GOD WE TRUST” should be fully legible with no weakness in the lettering
3. Wheat Ears: The reverse wheat stalks should show individual grain details, not just vague impressions
4. Rim Definition: Both obverse and reverse rims should be fully raised and sharp

The PCGS MS65+BN CAC example we’re discussing undoubtedly meets all these criteria. When a coin achieves MS65+ with CAC approval, you’re looking at a piece that combines technical preservation with aesthetic excellence—the holy grail of type set collecting.

Surface Quality and Eye Appeal

Forum members specifically praised this coin’s “clean surfaces” and “good amount of RB color for a BN example.” This is significant because:

• Many high-grade copper pieces have been cleaned, dipped, or otherwise altered
• Original surfaces with natural toning command significant premiums
• The transition from RB (Red-Brown) to BN (Brown) represents a natural aging process that collectors value
• Clean, mark-free surfaces at MS65+ are genuinely rare for this date

Dansco Albums: The Foundation of Accessible Type Set Collecting

Let’s talk about the practical side of organizing your collection. For many collectors—myself included—Dansco albums represent the gold standard for type set presentation. These high-quality, leather-bound albums with acetate slides offer several advantages:

Why Dansco Albums Remain Popular

I’ve used Dansco albums throughout my collecting journey, and here’s why I recommend them for type set builders:

• Professional Presentation: The black background and clear slides showcase coins beautifully
• Standardized Format: Dansco follows established type set conventions, making your collection immediately understandable to other collectors
• Protection: Acetate slides protect coins from fingerprints, dust, and environmental damage
• Flexibility: You can easily upgrade individual pieces without replacing the entire album
• Resale Value: Coins displayed in Dansco albums often command higher prices because they’ve been properly stored and presented

The Dansco 7070 Type Set Album

The Dansco 7070 is the most popular type set album, covering U.S. coinage from Half Cents through Silver Dollars. For a Two Cent Piece, you’ll find a dedicated slot that fits the coin perfectly. However, there’s an important consideration when housing a high-value coin like our 1870 MS65+BN CAC:

Security Concerns: Dansco albums with valuable coins can be targets for theft. I recommend keeping your album in a secure location—a safe or safety deposit box—and maintaining detailed photographs and documentation for insurance purposes.

Some collectors choose to display a lower-grade example in their Dansco album while storing the premium coin separately. This is a perfectly valid approach that balances presentation with security.

Budget vs. High-End Type Collecting: Finding Your Sweet Spot

This is the question every type set collector must answer: how much should I invest in each slot? The 1870 2 Cent Piece PCGS MS65+BN CAC represents the extreme high end of what you could spend on this type. Let’s break down the spectrum.

The Budget-Conscious Approach

For collectors building a type set on reasonable budgets, here’s what I recommend for the Two Cent Piece:

• Target Grade: VF (Very Fine) to XF (Extremely Fine) for circulated examples, or MS63 for Mint State
• Expected Investment: $50-$200 for circulated pieces; $300-$800 for MS63 examples
• Key Considerations: Focus on original surfaces and even wear patterns. Avoid cleaned or damaged pieces.
• Best Dates for Budget Collectors: 1864 (Large Motto), 1865, 1866, 1867, and 1868 all offer good availability in collectible grades

A budget-conscious type set can be every bit as satisfying as a high-end collection. The key is consistency—choose a grade range you can maintain across all types and stick to it.

The High-End Approach

For collectors with more resources, the 1870 2 Cent Piece PCGS MS65+BN CAC represents exactly the kind of coin that elevates a type set from impressive to extraordinary.

High-end type collecting involves:

• Target Grade: MS65 and above, preferably with CAC approval
• Expected Investment: $5,000-$15,000+ for premium examples of key dates
• Key Considerations: Population rarity, eye appeal, and provenance become critical factors
• Population Sensitivity: Coins with populations under 10 at the grade level offer significant long-term value protection

When forum members asked “Are you building a complete MS CAC set?”, they were identifying the pinnacle of type set collecting—every slot filled with CAC-approved Mint State examples. This is an ambitious and expensive goal, but it produces collections of museum quality.

The Middle Path: Strategic Upgrading

My personal recommendation—and the approach I’ve taken with my own collection—is strategic upgrading. This means:

1. Start with solid, problem-free examples in affordable grades
2. Identify the 5-10 most important slots in your collection
3. Gradually upgrade those key positions to premium examples
4. Maintain consistency in your remaining slots

The 1870 Two Cent Piece would be an excellent candidate for strategic upgrading. It’s historically significant, visually striking, and the MS65+BN CAC example represents the absolute finest known quality.

Practical Considerations for High-Value Type Set Coins

If you’re considering adding a coin like this 1870 2 Cent Piece to your type set, there are several practical matters to address.

Insurance and Documentation

High-value coins require proper insurance coverage. I recommend:

• Photographing your coin from multiple angles with a scale reference
• Retaining all grading certificates and receipts
• Obtaining a rider on your homeowner’s insurance or specialized collectibles insurance
• Keeping records of comparable sales for valuation purposes

Storage and Handling

Even if your coin is in a secure holder, proper storage matters:

• Maintain stable temperature and humidity (70°F, 40-50% relative humidity)
• Avoid PVC-containing holders or flips
• Handle coins only by the edges, or better yet, not at all
• Consider silica gel packets in storage areas to control moisture

Authentication and Verification

The PCGS certification with CAC approval provides excellent authentication, but I always recommend:

• Verifying the certification number on the PCGS website
• Confirming the CAC verification through their database
• Comparing the coin to known genuine examples when possible
• Building relationships with reputable dealers who guarantee authenticity

The Broader Context: Two Cent Pieces in the Type Set Ecosystem

Forum members mentioned the difficulty of finding matching quality in 1871 and especially 1872 Two Cent Pieces. This is an important observation for type set collectors.

The Date Hierarchy

Not all Two Cent Piece dates are created equal. Here’s how they rank in terms of Mint State availability:

1. Most Available: 1864 (both varieties), 1865, 1866—these dates survive in higher quantities
2. Moderately Available: 1867, 1868, 1869, 1870—survivable in Mint State but increasingly scarce
3. Scarce: 1871, 1872—genuinely rare in Mint State, with few examples available at any grade
4. Extremely Rare: 1873 (especially the Closed 3 variety)—the key date of the series

This date hierarchy affects your type set strategy. If you’re building a high-end collection, you might choose a more common date for your type set slot while pursuing the scarcer dates as separate collectibles. If you’re committed to representing the 1870 specifically, you’re choosing a date that balances availability with significance.

The Cameo and Proof Consideration

One final consideration: some type set collectors include proof examples in their collections. The 1870 Two Cent Piece was produced in both business strike and proof formats. Business strikes had a mintage of 1,335,000, while proofs had a mintage of just 1,000.

For type set purposes, business strikes are generally preferred because they represent the coinage intended for circulation. However, proof examples can be striking additions for collectors who appreciate the technical achievement of early proof coinage.

Building Your Legacy: The Emotional Dimension of Type Set Collecting

I want to end with something that forum members touched on but didn’t fully explore: the emotional satisfaction of type set collecting.

When someone says a coin “makes me think about starting that series,” they’re responding to something deeper than investment potential or technical specifications. They’re responding to the story the coin tells—the history it represents, the craftsmanship it embodies, the journey it has survived.

The 1870 2 Cent Piece has been in existence for over 150 years. It survived the Reconstruction era, two World Wars, the Great Depression, and countless changes in American life. That it exists today in MS65+ condition with CAC approval is nothing short of miraculous.

When you hold this coin—or any coin of similar quality—you’re not just holding a piece of metal. You’re holding a piece of history. You’re connecting with the minters who struck it, the hands that passed it, and the collectors who preserved it.

Conclusion: The 1870 2 Cent Piece as a Type Set Cornerstone

The 1870 2 Cent Piece PCGS MS65+BN CAC, with a population of just 2 and none higher, represents the pinnacle of what type set collecting can achieve. It’s a coin that combines historical significance, technical excellence, and aesthetic beauty in a way that few other pieces can match.

Whether you’re building a budget-conscious collection in Dansco albums or curating a high-end registry set, the principles remain the same:

• Prioritize quality over quantity—one exceptional example is worth more than ten mediocre ones
• Focus on originality—clean, uncleaned surfaces with natural toning always command premiums
• Consider population rarity—coins with few survivors at the grade level offer the best long-term value
• Document everything—proper records protect your investment and enhance your enjoyment
• Enjoy the journey—type set collecting is a marathon, not a sprint

The forum discussion around this coin—with members calling it “gorgeous,” “eye-popping,” and “really nice”—reflects the genuine enthusiasm that great coins inspire. That enthusiasm is what keeps us collecting, studying, and preserving these tangible connections to our past.

If you have the opportunity to add a coin like this 1870 2 Cent Piece to your type set, I encourage you to pursue it seriously. It’s not just a coin—it’s a cornerstone piece that will anchor your collection and inspire you for years to come. And if the MS65+BN CAC example is beyond your current reach, take heart: the journey of building a type set is filled with incremental victories, and every coin you add brings you closer to your goal.

Happy collecting, and may your type set bring you as much joy as it brings historical insight.

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