<P> Some believe that the phrase originates in betting card games, such as poker . In these games, one must make a small bet, or ante, before beginning play . Thus, the phrase makes an analogy between entering the game and entering a conversation . However, there is no documentary evidence of this being the origin of the idiom, so it is merely speculation . Other likely origins are that "my two pennies worth" is derived from the much older 16th Century English expression, "a penny for your thoughts", possibly a sarcastic response to receiving more opinion than was wanted "I said a penny for your thoughts, but I got two pennies' worth". There is also some belief that the idiom may have its origins in the early cost of postage in England, the "twopenny post", where two pennies was the normal charge of sending a letter containing one's words and thoughts or feelings to someone . </P> <P> There is also hard evidence that the US - variant phrase in print, is from the Olean Evening Times, March 1926 . That includes an item by Allene Sumner, headed My "Two cents' worth". </P> <P> "Two cents" and its variations may also be used in place of the noun "opinion" or the verb phrase "state (subject's) opinion", e.g. "You had to put your two cents in, didn't you?" or "But that's just my two cents ." </P> <P> This expression is also often used at the end of a statement, e.g. "Just my two cents ." </P>

Where did the saying 2 cents come from