Whitman Expo
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.
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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