1873 Open 3 3-Cent Nickel MS Values

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1873 Open 3 3-Cent Nickel MS Values

Details

As noted above, the beginning of production for the Three Cent Nickels in 1873 used dies with a small date, similar to the years prior, making the three look like an eight. The mint then fixed this problem. This variety is more scarce than its Closed 3 counterpart. Common in all grades up to gem. MS65 and MS66 are a bit scarce with any finer gems being very rare.

Obverse: A Romanesque Liberty is portrayed facing left with LIBERTY emblazoned on her crown. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA appears on the periphery with the date at the bottom.

Reverse: The roman numeral III is centered in the design surrounded by a large wreath tied with a bow at the bottom. This design is one of few American coins without wording on one of the sides.

Basic Information

GSID:

2776

Coin Date:

1873

Denomination:

3CN / 3-Cent Nickel

Designation:

MS

Mint & Coinage Details

Mint Location:

Philadelphia

Mintage:

783,000

Coinage Type:

Three cent nickel

Coinage Years:

1865-1889

Composition:

75% copper; 25% nickel

Varieties and Classification

Variety:

Open 3

Physical Characteristics

Weight:

1.94 gr

Weight:

0.0624 oz

Strike Type:

Business

Diameter:

17.9 mm

Coin Shape:

Round

Design Details

Designer:

James B. Longacre

Obverse Lettering:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 1873

Obverse Designer:

James B. Longacre

Reverse Lettering:

III

Reverse Designer:

James B. Longacre

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