Whitman Expo
1873 Open 3 2 Cents PR BN Values
Details
The Open 3 Variety from 1873 displays spaced out serifs on the 3 and is more scarce than its Closed 3 counterpart. Both varieties come from a combined mintage of 300 coins. Scarce in all grades with great rarity when found in full red gem. Any cameo surfaces are considered great rarities.
Obverse: An ornate shield flanked on the left and right by leaves with arrow heads and shanks (crossed behind) appear protruding at the four corners. A ribbon above the shield bears the words IN GOD WE TRUST, making this coin design the first usage this now-ubiquitous motto. The date is positioned at the bottom center.
Reverse: A large numeral 2 with the word CENTS below (smaller) in the center is framed by a well-defined wheat wreath tied at the bottom center by a simple ribbon. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA appears around the periphery.
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
500
Coinage Type:
Two cent piece
Coinage Years:
1864-1873
Composition:
0.95 copper; 0.05 tin & zinc
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
Open 3
Physical Characteristics
Weight:
6.22 gr
Weight:
0.2 oz
Strike Type:
Proof
Diameter:
23 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
James B. Longacre
Obverse Lettering:
IN GOD WE TRUST, 1873
Obverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
Reverse Lettering:
2, CENTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Reverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
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