Two-cent pieces were first struck in 1864 to remedy the coin shortage caused by the Civil War. Like the Indian Head Cent produced in the same year, the two-cent piece was struck in bronze. The Mint had attempted to circulate two-cent pieces in 1806 and 1836 but both these attempts failed due to technical... click here to read more... In 1851 the value of silver had risen to such a point that the existing silver coins from the half dime to the dollar became worth more for their silver content than their face value. As a result, the mint sharply decreased the production of these coins. To remedy the lack of smaller denominations in commerce and facilitate the purchasing of postage... click here to read more... Silver shortages during the Civil War lead to the widespread hoarding of coins. To put more coins into circulation, the mint introduced the Nickel Three-Cent Piece in 1865. Chief Mint Engraver, James B. Longacre's design features Liberty wearing... click here to read more... In 1829, the U.S. Mint began the production of half dimes, or 'dismes', again. It had been twenty four years since the mint had first ceased the production of these coins. The obverse of the half dime features John Reich's bust of Lady Liberty, taken from the 1807 half dollar. In this rendition, Liberty wears a cap bearing the word... click here to read more... The Twenty-Cent piece features William Barber's copy of the Liberty Seated obverse used on the dimes, quarters and half dollars of the year, but with 'LIBERTY' in raised letters across the shield. The obverse depicts Liberty seated on a rock, a shield with 'LIBERTY' written accross it in her right hand and a staff with... click here to read more...