The coin in question is a 1866 Shield Two Cents piece, a notable example from the United States. This denomination, designed by the prominent engraver James Barton Longacre, features a distinctive shield design on the obverse that symbolizes protection and defense. The coin is composed of bronze and has a diameter of 23 mm, weighing in at 6.22 grams. This particular piece does not carry a mint mark, indicating it was produced at the Philadelphia Mint. The mintage for this year was 3,177,000 coins, reflecting the popularity and demand for the two-cent denomination during the era. The edge of the coin is plain, which is typical for U.S. coins of this type. Despite its modest face value of two cents (0.02 USD), the coin is often collected for its historical significance and unique design, which was introduced as a response to the shortage of small change during the Civil War period. In summary, the 1866 Shield Two Cents coin is a valuable piece for numismatists, representing a unique facet of American coinage history with its simple yet striking design and the practicality it served during its time of circulation.