Price Guide for 1873 Cent Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 1873 Cent variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
1873 Penny Open 3, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10.00 - $587.50Uncirculated: $121.00 - $1,938.75
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eBayCirculated: $5.60 - $389.00Uncirculated: $118.26 - $4,049.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $35.00 - $340.00Uncirculated: $350.00 - $2,250.00
1873 Penny Closed 3, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $25.00 - $2,990.00Uncirculated: $161.00 - $4,465.00
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eBayCirculated: $9.50 - $749.00Uncirculated: $92.45 - $1,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 - $440.00Uncirculated: $475.00 - $1,400.00
1873 Penny Closed 3, BN (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $184.00 - $3,995.00
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eBayUncirculated: $306.00 - $661.76
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $190.00 - $4,000.00
1873 Penny Closed 3, RB (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $138.00 - $4,025.00
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eBayUncirculated: $245.00 - $1,999.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $215.00 - $3,000.00
1873 Penny Closed 3, RD (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.70 - $15,275.00
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eBayUncirculated: $513.00 - $4,900.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $250.00 - $8,750.00
1873 Penny Closed 3 (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $132.00
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eBayCirculated: $19.50 - $527.99Uncirculated: $190.50 - $599.50
1873 Penny Open 3, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $31.00 - $345.00Uncirculated: $130.00 - $4,830.00
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eBayUncirculated: $255.00 - $3,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $375.00 - $3,400.00
1873 Penny Open 3, RD (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $184.00 - $54,625.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,478.70 - $7,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $400.00 - $16,000.00
1873 Penny Closed 3, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $26.00 - $155.00Uncirculated: $167.00 - $6,038.00
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eBayCirculated: $79.95Uncirculated: $695.00 - $2,012.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $475.00 - $3,850.00
1873 Penny Closed 3, RD (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $230.00Uncirculated: $949.00 - $54,625.00
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eBayUncirculated: $600.00 - $1,902.70
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $400.00 - $70,000.00
1873 Penny Doubled Liberty, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $82.00 - $7,475.00Uncirculated: $805.00 - $31,625.00
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eBayCirculated: $26.08 - $4,426.00Uncirculated: $3,877.00 - $10,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $125.00 - $7,550.00Uncirculated: $7,750.00 - $16,000.00
1873 Penny Doubled Liberty, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,530.00 - $4,370.00Uncirculated: $1,265.00 - $69,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $406.20 - $1,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8,000.00 - $70,000.00
1873 Penny Doubled Liberty, RD (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,450.00
1873 Penny Open 3, RPD FS-1301, S-1, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $60.50 - $350.00
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eBayCirculated: $48.00 - $188.49
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $57.00 - $400.00Uncirculated: $500.00 - $625.00
1873 Penny Open 3 RPD FS-1301 S-1 (FS-009.3), RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $432.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $550.00 - $1,100.00
1873 Penny Open 3 RPD FS-1301 S-1 (FS-009.3), RD (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,320.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2,150.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,850.00
1873 Penny DDO FS-102, Snow-2, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $81.00 - $1,530.00Uncirculated: $528.00 - $1,840.00
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eBayCirculated: $316.00 - $650.00Uncirculated: $715.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 - $875.00Uncirculated: $925.00 - $1,900.00
1873 Penny DDO FS-102, Snow-2, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $998.75 - $26,400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,350.00 - $3,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,150.00 - $3,000.00
1873 Penny DDO FS-101, S-1 Closed 3, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $94.00 - $4,935.00Uncirculated: $470.00 - $26,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $139.16 - $3,525.00Uncirculated: $5,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $185.00 - $7,600.00Uncirculated: $7,800.00 - $16,100.00
1873 Penny DDO FS-101, S-1 Closed 3, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,668.00 - $18,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,390.00Uncirculated: $12,500.00 - $14,317.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10,600.00 - $70,150.00
1873 Penny Closed 3, CAM (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $604.00 - $10,063.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,850.00 - $12,000.00
1873 Penny Open 3, MPD FS-1302, S-6, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $264.00 - $456.00
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eBayCirculated: $360.00 - $799.99Uncirculated: $2,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $35.00 - $560.00Uncirculated: $600.00 - $900.00
1873 Penny Open 3 MPD FS-1302 S-6, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,020.00 - $1,260.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $650.00 - $1,250.00
Design and Specifications of the 1873 Cent
The 1873 Indian Head Cent was part of the long-running Indian Head cent series, which began in 1859 and continued until 1909. This year is significant in U.S. coinage history as it marked the passage of the Coinage Act of 1873, which had far-reaching effects on American currency, though it did not directly impact the cent denomination.
The Indian Head cent design, created by James Barton Longacre, features Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress on the obverse, symbolizing American liberty. The reverse depicts an oak wreath surrounding the words 'ONE CENT' and encircled by 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc |
| Obverse Design | Indian Head, designed by James Barton Longacre |
| Reverse Design | Oak wreath and shield, designed by James Barton Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1873 Indian Head cents significantly impacts their value. Coins in circulated conditions (Good to Extra Fine) are relatively common and affordable. However, specimens in Uncirculated condition, particularly those grading MS65 or higher, are considerably scarcer and command substantial premiums.
The quality of the strike, presence of original mint luster, and absence of notable contact marks or scratches are crucial factors in determining the grade and value of uncirculated examples. Coins with attractive, natural toning may also be more desirable to collectors.
Mintage: 11,676,500
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Close 3 and Open 3 varieties in date
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for high-grade specimens
The 1873 Indian Head cent is known for two notable varieties: the Close 3 and Open 3 in the date. The Close 3 variety, with the knobs of the 3 nearly touching, is scarcer and generally commands a premium over the Open 3 variety.
Die state can also affect value, with early die state examples showing sharper details often being more desirable. Additionally, coins with full liberty visible on the headband tend to be valued higher by collectors.
As with many copper coins, the color of the 1873 cent can range from full red to brown, with red and red-brown examples typically commanding higher premiums due to their eye appeal and relative scarcity.
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