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1873 Doubled Liberty

Small Cents · Indian Head Cents · 1859–1909
Variety
Weight3.11 g
Diameter19 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 11,676,500 Combined mintage for all 1873 varieties
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc
DesignerJames B. Longacre
Collector's Key IDCK-344

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About this coinHistory

The 1873 Doubled Liberty variety shows doubling in the letters of LIBERTY on the headdress band. The die was impressed twice with the letter punches in slightly offset positions, creating a shadow effect where ghost images of the letters appear alongside the correctly positioned ones. The doubling is most visible in the letters L, I, and B, and can be confirmed under magnification on coins in Fine or better condition.

Doubled die varieties are among the most popular error types in American numismatics because the feature is permanent (in the die, not a striking anomaly), consistent (every coin from the die shows it), and visually dramatic (the doubling is often visible without a loupe). The 1873 Doubled Liberty is one of the earlier recognized doubled die varieties in the Indian Head series and carries a strong premium over standard 1873 cents.

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)
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF)
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU)
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS)
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How many 1873 Doubled Liberty Indian Head Cents were minted?
11,676,500 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1873 varieties).
What is a 1873 Doubled Liberty Indian Head Cent made of?
95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc, weighing 3.11 g.
What is the melt value of a 1873 Doubled Liberty Indian Head Cent?
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 Doubled Liberty Indian Head Cent a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.