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Description

1873 Shield Nickel, Open 3, MS67
Finest-Certified Example

1873 5C Open 3 MS67 PCGS. Shield Nickels struck early in 1873 featured a Close 3 in the date, but Chief Coiner A. Louden Snowden complained that the Close 3 looked too much like an 8 at first glance. Accordingly, a new punch was designed, and many coins struck later in the year show an Open 3 in the date. Q. David Bowers estimates the mintage of the Open 3 variety at about 2 million pieces, and the issue is seen less often than its Close 3 counterpart.

This magnificent Superb Gem is the finest-certified example at either of the leading grading services (1/26). The design elements are sharply detailed throughout. A network of spidery die cracks is evident on the obverse. The impeccably preserved surfaces are lustrous and appealing. This coin is pictured on PCGS CoinFacts. PCGS Population: 1 in 67, 0 finer (1/26).(Registry values: N4719)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 276C, PCGS# 3800, Greysheet# 2876)

Weight: 5.00 grams

Metal: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel


View Certification Details from PCGS

Auction Info

Auction Dates
March, 2026
26th-28th Thursday-Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 20
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 330

Buyer's Premium per Lot:
22% of the successful bid per lot.

Sold on Mar 26, 2026 for: $15,860.00
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