-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 23561
Checkout
The 1873 Shield Nickel with Open 3 in About Good (AG) condition stands as a meaningful artifact from the closing chapter of the Shield Nickel series, the first five-cent piece struck in a copper-nickel alloy by the United States Mint. The series began in 1866, a year after the Civil War ended, during a time of economic recovery and coinage reform. The Shield Nickel served as a durable, base-metal replacement for the earlier silver half dime, answering the urgent need for low-denomination coins that could withstand daily commerce without relying on increasingly scarce silver. By 1873, the design was nearing the end of its run, and the year itself was marked by an important typographical modification—the alteration of the numeral "3" in the date from a "Closed 3" to an "Open 3." This seemingly small change has created lasting numismatic interest, distinguishing the two variants for collectors and historians alike.
The obverse of the 1873 Shield Nickel displays a prominent shield in the center, symbolizing the unity and strength of the Union during the turbulent Reconstruction era. Above the shield is a small cross and draped scrollwork, while olive branches flank each side, representing peace. The national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” arches along the top of the coin. Designed by Chief Engraver James B. Longacre, the Shield Nickel’s obverse was a statement of national resolve and cohesion following the Civil War. In AG condition, the obverse is significantly worn, with nearly all fine details smoothed by decades of circulation. The central shield may still be outlined, and traces of the motto may be faintly visible, though typically fragmented. The outer rim is usually worn into the field, and much of the ornamental flourish is nearly or entirely faded.
The reverse features a large numeral “5” in the center, representing the coin’s five-cent denomination. It is surrounded by thirteen six-pointed stars arranged in a circle, symbolizing the original thirteen colonies. The legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arcs across the top edge, while the word “CENTS” is placed directly below the numeral at the bottom. This design had been modified in 1867 to remove the radiating rays used on earlier issues, simplifying the coin and improving production. In AG condition, the reverse is extremely worn, with the central “5” often remaining discernible, though its edges may be flattened. The surrounding stars are typically faint or almost completely smooth, and the inscriptions around the perimeter may be only partially visible, with some letters completely worn away due to circulation.
The “Open 3” variety of 1873 is significant because of the Mint’s mid-year change to the shape of the “3” in the date. Early strikes of the 1873 Shield Nickel featured a “Closed 3,” where the upper and lower loops of the numeral were tight and close together, making it appear similar to an “8.” This caused confusion, leading to a redesign in which the loops were opened to provide greater clarity. The “Open 3” variety was struck later in the year and has since become more desirable to collectors because it represents a purposeful correction and an identifiable subtype. Even on heavily worn AG examples, the open loops of the “3” are often still distinguishable under magnification, allowing the coin to be properly attributed and differentiated from its Closed 3 counterpart.
The 1873 Shield Nickel was produced at the Philadelphia Mint, which was the sole facility striking nickels during the series' entire run. The total mintage for the year was 4,165,000 coins, encompassing both the Closed 3 and Open 3 types. While the Mint did not keep separate counts for the two varieties, it is believed that a significant portion of the mintage was of the earlier Closed 3 style, making Open 3 examples somewhat less common. Because most of these coins were released directly into circulation and few were saved in Mint State at the time, surviving specimens in any grade are sought after. Those that remain identifiable in AG condition are especially valued by collectors who appreciate the nuances of U.S. numismatic history or are assembling date and variety sets on a budget.
The Shield Nickel series was known for its technical challenges. The copper-nickel alloy used in the coin’s composition was hard and difficult to strike, especially with the intricacies of Longacre’s design. These production issues led to frequent die breakage and contributed to the series’ relatively short lifespan. As a result, even newly struck Shield Nickels often exhibited weak details, particularly on the obverse. When combined with heavy circulation, the already-soft features wore down rapidly. AG examples of the 1873 Open 3 show extensive wear, with the high points of the shield and the surrounding scrollwork typically flattened. The reverse design is often more resilient, but even here, the stars and legends frequently fade, leaving only the denomination and faint date legible.
Coins in AG condition have been well-used in everyday commerce, bearing the evidence of countless hands and decades of circulation. While they lack the sharpness and luster of higher-grade coins, they are rich in character and authenticity. An 1873 Shield Nickel in this grade tells the story of a coin that fulfilled its purpose in the economy of a growing nation. The surfaces are typically smooth from wear, with natural patina and soft gray toning common. Though the coin may not be aesthetically pristine, it holds value for collectors who see beyond perfection and appreciate the role such pieces played in the daily lives of Americans during the 19th century.
The economic backdrop of 1873 also lends weight to the historical importance of the Shield Nickel. That year marked the beginning of the Panic of 1873, a severe financial crisis that triggered a prolonged depression known as the “Long Depression.” During this time, the availability of hard coinage such as nickels was crucial, as confidence in paper currency fluctuated. Small change, including five-cent pieces, was in constant demand, which explains the extensive wear seen on most surviving examples. The 1873 Open 3 Shield Nickel thus connects directly to a broader story of economic instability, monetary reform, and the challenges of a rapidly industrializing society.
For collectors today, an AG example of the 1873 Open 3 Shield Nickel offers an accessible entry point into an important and historically rich series. It fills a vital spot in a full Shield Nickel date set and offers the added variety appeal of being a distinct subtype within a single year. Despite its low grade, it retains enough detail for identification and attribution, especially when the open loop of the “3” remains discernible. This modest but meaningful coin serves as a testament to the evolution of U.S. coinage, the refinement of minting practices, and the everyday function of currency in a nation undergoing dramatic change.
The 1873 Shield Nickel Open 3 in About Good condition may be worn smooth in many areas, but its value goes far beyond its surface. It is a humble survivor from a transformative year in American economic and numismatic history, one that marked the conclusion of a distinctive coinage series and reflected the practical adjustments made by the Mint to improve legibility and utility. For the collector who values history, context, and the human touch found in circulated coins, this piece offers a quiet yet powerful reminder of the role that even the smallest denominations played in building a functioning and resilient economy.