Whitman Expo
1873 Closed 3 Nickel MS Values
Details
The Closed 3 Variety from 1873 displays serifs on the 3 that are so close, it can be confused with an 8 and is far more rare than its Open 3 counterpart. Common through MS63 with MS64’s and finer gems becoming more scarce. We start seeing true rarity in this issue at the MS66 level.
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:
436,050
Coinage Type:
Shield nickel
Coinage Years:
1867-1883
Composition:
75% copper; 25% nickel
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
Closed 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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