Price Guide for 1873 Nickel Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 1873 Nickel 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 Nickel Open 3 (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $8.00 - $384.00Uncirculated: $75.00 - $10,575.00
-
eBayCirculated: $21.10 - $450.00Uncirculated: $174.50 - $7,100.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 - $350.00Uncirculated: $400.00 - $11,000.00
1873 Nickel Closed 3 (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11.00 - $1,080.00Uncirculated: $167.00 - $9,987.50
-
eBayCirculated: $19.00 - $420.00Uncirculated: $127.49 - $3,433.50
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 - $550.00Uncirculated: $600.00 - $12,500.00
1873 Nickel Open 3 DDO FS-1103 (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,080.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,500.00
1873 Nickel Closed 3, CAM (Proof)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $360.00 - $35,250.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $459.00 - $725.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $600.00 - $20,000.00
1873 Nickel Closed 3 (Proof)
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $190.00 - $235.00Uncirculated: $2.60 - $7,931.00
-
eBayCirculated: $99.95 - $262.00Uncirculated: $236.39 - $2,075.77
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $275.00 - $325.00Uncirculated: $350.00 - $11,000.00
1873 Nickel Open 3 DDO FS-1101 (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $336.00 - $374.00
1873 Nickel Open 3 DDO FS-1102 (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $253.00Uncirculated: $1,680.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $350.00Uncirculated: $2,000.00
1873 Nickel Closed 3, DDO FS-101 (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $456.00 - $489.00Uncirculated: $403.00 - $1,880.00
-
eBayCirculated: $155.06 - $336.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $235.00 - $600.00Uncirculated: $700.00 - $2,250.00
1873 Nickel Cl 3 DDO FS-102 (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $228.00 - $1,560.00Uncirculated: $2,880.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $600.00 - $1,850.00Uncirculated: $2,000.00 - $3,250.00
1873 Nickel Cl 3 DDO FS-103 (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $180.00Uncirculated: $900.00
-
eBayCirculated: $1,230.00 - $2,027.00Uncirculated: $500.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $225.00 - $700.00Uncirculated: $800.00 - $1,250.00
Design and Specifications of the 1873 Nickel
The 1873 Shield Nickel was part of the Shield Nickel series, which was produced from 1866 to 1883. This coin was minted during a significant year in U.S. coinage history, as 1873 saw the passage of the Coinage Act, which demonetized silver and effectively put the United States on the gold standard.
The Shield Nickel was the first five-cent piece composed of copper and nickel, replacing the earlier silver half dime. Its design, featuring a shield on the obverse, was meant to symbolize strength and unity following the Civil War.
| Weight | 5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 20.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Liberty head facing left, designed by James B. Longacre |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding Roman numeral V, designed by James B. Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition is crucial for the 1873 Shield Nickel's value. Well-preserved examples with sharp details, particularly on the shield's vertical and horizontal lines, are highly sought after. The presence of luster significantly increases value, especially for uncirculated specimens.
Strike quality is an important factor, as many Shield Nickels suffer from weak strikes. Coins with full, sharp strikes command a premium. Toning can also impact value, with attractive, natural toning being desirable to some collectors.
Mintage: 4,550,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Closed 3 and Open 3 varieties
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for high-grade specimens
The 1873 Shield Nickel has two notable varieties: the Closed 3 and Open 3 in the date. The Closed 3 variety is scarcer and typically commands a higher premium, especially in higher grades.
Die state can also affect value, with early die state examples showing sharper details being more desirable. Proofs from this year are particularly valuable, with only 1,100 minted.
Collectors should be aware of cleaned or damaged coins, which can significantly reduce value. Original, problem-free examples are always preferred in the numismatic market.
Helpful Resources
Explore these valuable resources to enhance your coin collecting knowledge:
Additional Resources
Trending Coin Values
See what other coin enthusiasts are currently exploring:
Useful US Coin Tools
Explore these handy tools to learn more about U.S. coins:
