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← 1873 Doubled Liberty Indian Head Cents • 1859–1909 1874 →
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1873 Open 3

Small Cents · Indian Head Cents · 1859–1909
Regular
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-345

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Varieties & References

Other recorded varieties for 1873:

External references

About this coinHistory

The 1873 Open 3 uses a numeral punch where the 3's arms end without meeting, leaving visible gaps. The Open 3 is the more commonly encountered of the two 3 styles for the year and serves as the standard issue. The variety is identifiable by examining the shape of the date's final digit, where the open terminals of the 3 are visible on coins in Good or better condition.

The 1873 had a solid combined mintage across all varieties. The Open 3 accounts for the majority of the production and is available in circulated grades without the semi-key premiums of the 1866-1872 dates. The Open/Closed 3 distinction is a simple, accessible variety that introduces newer collectors to the practice of examining date numerals for punch differences.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $22 $26
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $28 $32
F-12 Fine (F) $53 $61
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $100 $116
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $146 $169
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $188 $215
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $245 $280
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $425 $450
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1873 Open 3 Indian Head Cent worth?
In Good condition it runs about $22–$26, rising to roughly $245–$280 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1873 Open 3 Indian Head Cents were minted?
11,676,500 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1873 varieties).
What is a 1873 Open 3 Indian Head Cent made of?
95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc, weighing 3.11 g.
What is the melt value of a 1873 Open 3 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 Open 3 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.