1873 $5 Open 3 (Regular Strike)

Series: Liberty Head $5 1839-1908

PCGS MS65

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PCGS MS65

PCGS #:: 8328

Designer:: Christian Gobrecht

Edge:: Reeded

Diameter:: 21.65 millimeters

Weight:: 8.36 grams

Mintage:: 63,200

Mint:: Philadelphia

Metal:: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

Auction Record:: $14,300 • MS • 06-01-1996 • Spink America

ShowHide Related Coins and Varieties (2)

Major Varieties

1873 $5 Open 3
1873 $5 Closed 3

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Price Guide (USD)

PCGS Population

Auctions - PCGS Graded

Auctions - NGC Graded

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Current Auctions - NGC Graded

For Sale Now at Collectors Corner - PCGS Graded

For Sale Now at Collectors Corner - NGC Graded

Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More

Grades	Survival Estimate The Survival Estimate represents an average of one or more experts' opinions as to how many examples survive of a particular coin in three categories: 1) all grades, 2) 60 or better, and 3) 65 or better. These estimates are based on a variety of sources, including population reports, auction appearances, and personal knowledge. Survival estimates include coins that are raw, certified by PCGS, and certified by other grading services.	Numismatic Rarity Numismatic Rarity converts the Survival Estimate for a particular coin into a number from 1 to 10 (with decimal increments) based on the PCGS Rarity Scale. The higher the number, the more rare the coin.	Relative Rarity By Type Relative Rarity By Type ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Type. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.	Relative Rarity By Series Relative Rarity By Series ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Series. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
All Grades	600	R-5.8	44 / 106	148 / 218 TIE
60 or Better	50	R-8.5	37 / 106	134 / 218
65 or Better	4	R-9.8	15 / 106 TIE	30 / 218 TIE

Survival Estimate
All Grades	600
60 or Better	50
65 or Better	4

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-5.8
60 or Better	R-8.5
65 or Better	R-9.8

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	44 / 106
60 or Better	37 / 106
65 or Better	15 / 106 TIE

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	148 / 218 TIE
60 or Better	134 / 218
65 or Better	30 / 218 TIE

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	MS65 PCGS grade	Goldbergs 1/2011:2132, $13,225
1	MS65 PCGS grade
1	MS65 PCGS grade
4	MS64 PCGS grade
4	MS64 PCGS grade
4	MS64 PCGS grade
4	MS64 PCGS grade
4	MS64 PCGS grade
4	MS64 PCGS grade
10	MS63 PCGS grade

#1 MS65 PCGS grade

Goldbergs 1/2011:2132, $13,225

#1 MS65 PCGS grade

#4 MS64 PCGS grade

#10 MS63 PCGS grade

David Akers (1975/88): Many collectors regard this date as fairly common because of the relatively high mintage and the low value put on it in the standard price guides. The 1873 Open 3 is not at all common, however, and is decidedly rare in AU or uncirculated condition. Most known specimens are only VF or EF. Overall, the 1873 Open 3 is slightly more rare than the 1873 Closed 3 and both are very underrated.

Ron Guth:

1873 Half Eagles are found with "Closed" and "Open" 3's in the date. The knobs of the Closed 3 are so close that the date can be mistaken for 1878 at a cursory glance. This defect was noticed early in the year and was corrected by opening up the 3 so that no mistake could be made.

In terms of the rarity of certified examples, the Closed and Open 3 are about equal. The Closed 3 is slightly more common in Mint State and the grade distribution is similar for both. Gem examples of the Closed 3 are very rare, with the finest example being a single PCGS MS66.