Two-Cent Piece Melt Value
The Civil-War-era 2¢ bronze coin — first US coin to carry "In God We Trust." Collector value far exceeds melt on virtually every example.
Melt value per coin$0.080.18999 oz × $0.43/oz copper · spot as of November 6, 2026 · about 4.1× face value
copper content
0.18999 troy oz
Weight
6.22 g
Composition
95% copper, 5% tin/zinc
Years
1864–1873
Melt value by quantity
| Quantity | Melt value |
|---|---|
| 1 coin | $0.08 |
| 5 coins | $0.41 |
| 10 coins | $0.82 |
| $1 face value (50 coins) | $4.11 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much copper is in a two-cent piece?
- Each two-cent piece weighs 6.22 grams (95% copper, 5% tin/zinc) and contains 0.18999 troy ounces of copper.
- What is a two-cent piece worth in melt value today?
- At the current copper spot price of $0.43 per troy ounce, the melt value is about $0.08 per coin.
- Is a two-cent piece worth more than its melt value?
- Often, yes. Melt value is the floor — scarce dates, mint marks, and higher grades carry collector premiums above metal content. Check the grade-by-grade price guide before selling any coin as bullion.
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Melt values update with live spot prices and are estimates, not offers to buy. Dealers pay below melt to cover refining margins; collectible examples are worth more than melt. It is currently illegal to melt US one-cent and five-cent coins.