1871 2C, CAM PR67CAM Certification #25550405, PCGS #83647

Ron Guth

In average condition, the 1871 Proof Two Cent piece is common.  In fact, it is the second most common Proof Two Cent piece in terms of the number of coins certified, after only the 1872 (and it is the third most common if one adds together the Open 3 and Closed 3 varieties of 1873).  In PR63 to PR65, the 1871 can be found with ease.  MS66 and better examples become scarce, but the real condition-rarities in this date are the Cameo Proofs.  Only a tiny fraction of Proof 1871 Two Cent pieces show any cameo contrast at all.  When they appear on the market, Cameo 1871s bring incredible prices (how about $59,800 for a PCGS PR67CAM that sold in early 2012).  Deep Cameo 1871 Two Cent pieces may not exist.