Whitman Expo
1873 Open 3 Nickel MS Values
Details
The Open 3 Variety from 1873 displays spaced out serifs on the 3 and is far more common than its Closed 3 counterpart. Very common through MS64 with gems becoming quite scarce. MS65 remaining affordable and MS66 surging a bit in value. Both are not very difficult to locate.
Obverse: A shield flanked on the left and right by leaves topped with a cross with arrows positioned behind at the bottom so the arrow heads and shanks protrude at the sides. The motto IN GOD WE TRUST appears at the top periphery with the date positioned at the bottom center.
Reverse: A large numeral 5 surrounded by 13 stars centered in the design with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA * CENTS around the periphery.
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
4,113,950
Coinage Type:
Shield nickel
Coinage Years:
1867-1883
Composition:
75% copper; 25% nickel
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
Open 3
Physical Characteristics
Weight:
5 gr
Weight:
0.1608 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
20.5 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
James B. Longacre
Obverse Lettering:
IN GOD WE TRUST, 1873
Obverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
Reverse Lettering:
5, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CENTS
Reverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
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