Have a photo? Submit it and we'll credit you.

As an eBay Affiliate, Collector's Key may be compensated if you make a purchase through the link(s) above.

1873 Closed 3

Gold Coins · Indian Princess (Large Head) Gold Dollars · 1856–1889
Semi-key
Weight1.672 g
Diameter15 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 123,825 Combined mintage for all 1873 varieties
EdgeReeded
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition90% Gold, 10% Copper
DesignerJames B. Longacre
Collector's Key IDCK-5303

Collection

collectors own this
on want lists

Your collection

Sign in to track this coin.

About this coinHistory

The 1873 Closed 3 uses a date punch where the upper and lower knobs of the numeral 3 curve inward, nearly meeting. The Closed 3 was the earlier punch style, used at the beginning of the year before the Mint switched to the Open 3. The transition between the two punch styles occurred across multiple denominations in 1873, and collectors track the varieties as distinct entries.

The Closed 3 is scarcer than the Open 3 for 1873 gold dollars. Both share the year's total mintage of 123,825, but the Closed 3 accounted for a smaller portion of the production run. PCGS estimates fewer surviving Closed 3 examples, and the variety carries a premium in all grades. Identifying the variety requires examining the numeral 3 under magnification, particularly on coins in Fine or better condition where the punch detail is preserved.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G)
VG-8 Very Good (VG)
F-12 Fine (F)
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $440 $510
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $685 $790
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $955 $1,100
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $1,425 $1,645
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $4,305 $4,560
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1873 Closed 3 Indian Princess (Large Head) Gold Dollar worth?
In Very Fine condition it runs about $440–$510, rising to roughly $1,425–$1,645 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1873 Closed 3 Indian Princess (Large Head) Gold Dollars were minted?
123,825 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1873 varieties).
What is a 1873 Closed 3 Indian Princess (Large Head) Gold Dollar made of?
90% Gold, 10% Copper, weighing 1.672 g.
What is the melt value of a 1873 Closed 3 Indian Princess (Large Head) Gold Dollar?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1873 Closed 3 Indian Princess (Large Head) Gold Dollar a key date?
It's a semi-key date — scarcer than common issues but more available than the series' key dates.