1873 $5 Open 3 XF45 Certification #45053524, PCGS #8328

Expert Comments

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.

PCGS #
8328
Designer
Christian Gobrecht
Edge
Reeded
Diameter
21.65 millimeters
Weight
8.36 grams
Mintage
63200
Metal
90% Gold, 10% Copper
Pop Higher
308
Pop Lower
15
Region
The United States of America
Price Guide
PCGS Population
Auctions - PCGS Graded
Auctions - NGC Graded

Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More

Grades
65 or Better 600 R-5.8 44 / 106 148 / 218 TIE
All Grades 50 R-8.5 37 / 106 134 / 218
60 or Better 4 R-9.8 15 / 106 TIE 30 / 218 TIE
65 or Better 600
All Grades 50
60 or Better 4
65 or Better R-5.8
All Grades R-8.5
60 or Better R-9.8
65 or Better 44 / 106
All Grades 37 / 106
60 or Better 15 / 106 TIE
65 or Better 148 / 218 TIE
All Grades 134 / 218
60 or Better 30 / 218 TIE

Condition Census Learn More

Pos Grade Thumbnail Pedigree and History
1 MS65 PCGS grade  
	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
 
	MS65 PCGS grade 
#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