1873 Nickel Value: Mint Varieties, Rarity, and Current Prices

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 Price

  Circulated: $8.00 - $384.00

  Uncirculated: $75.00 - $10,575.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $21.10 - $450.00

  Uncirculated: $174.50 - $7,100.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $25.00 - $350.00

  Uncirculated: $400.00 - $11,000.00

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1873 Nickel Closed 3 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $11.00 - $1,080.00

  Uncirculated: $167.00 - $9,987.50
• eBay

  Circulated: $19.00 - $420.00

  Uncirculated: $127.49 - $3,433.50
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $60.00 - $550.00

  Uncirculated: $600.00 - $12,500.00

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1873 Nickel Open 3 DDO FS-1103 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $4,080.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $4,500.00

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1873 Nickel Closed 3, CAM (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $360.00 - $35,250.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $459.00 - $725.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $600.00 - $20,000.00

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1873 Nickel Closed 3 (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $190.00 - $235.00

  Uncirculated: $2.60 - $7,931.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $99.95 - $262.00

  Uncirculated: $236.39 - $2,075.77
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $275.00 - $325.00

  Uncirculated: $350.00 - $11,000.00

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1873 Nickel Open 3 DDO FS-1101 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $336.00 - $374.00

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1873 Nickel Open 3 DDO FS-1102 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $253.00

  Uncirculated: $1,680.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $350.00

  Uncirculated: $2,000.00

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1873 Nickel Closed 3, DDO FS-101 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $456.00 - $489.00

  Uncirculated: $403.00 - $1,880.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $155.06 - $336.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $235.00 - $600.00

  Uncirculated: $700.00 - $2,250.00

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1873 Nickel Cl 3 DDO FS-102 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $228.00 - $1,560.00

  Uncirculated: $2,880.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $600.00 - $1,850.00

  Uncirculated: $2,000.00 - $3,250.00

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1873 Nickel Cl 3 DDO FS-103 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $180.00

  Uncirculated: $900.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $1,230.00 - $2,027.00

  Uncirculated: $500.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $225.00 - $700.00

  Uncirculated: $800.00 - $1,250.00

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Design and Specifications of the 1873 Nickel

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.

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.