-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 23574
Checkout
The 1873 Shield Nickel with the Open 3 variety in Good condition is a noteworthy relic of a transitional time in both American coinage and economic history. As part of the first series of five-cent coins produced using a durable copper-nickel alloy, the Shield Nickel replaced the silver half dime and played a crucial role in small denomination commerce after the Civil War. The 1873 issue marks a significant moment within the series due to the modification made to the digit “3” in the date. Early in the year, the “Closed 3” variety was struck, but concerns that the numeral resembled an “8” led to a swift alteration. The resulting “Open 3” variety, such as seen on this coin, became the corrected standard and remains a distinct collectible subtype today.
The Shield Nickel series, first struck in 1866, was designed by Chief Engraver James Barton Longacre. Longacre’s obverse design was a powerful representation of Union strength and post-war unity. The central motif is a large Union shield, symbolizing national defense and cohesion. The shield is capped with a cross and surrounded by ornate scrollwork and olive branches, which signify peace. Above the design arcs the national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.” On a Good condition example of the 1873 Open 3 Shield Nickel, much of this intricate detailing is worn away. The shield’s overall shape remains clear and identifiable, although the finer lines within the shield and surrounding flourishes are heavily smoothed. The motto is typically weak, often partially visible but not bold, and the rims show significant wear, blending slightly into the fields.
The reverse of the coin features a prominent numeral “5” in the center, indicating the denomination in cents. This is encircled by thirteen six-pointed stars, a reference to the original thirteen colonies, and surrounded by the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “CENTS.” This reverse design had been modified in 1867 to remove the earlier rays, which had caused excessive die wear and were difficult to strike cleanly with the coin’s hard metal composition. In Good condition, the central “5” is usually the boldest surviving feature on the reverse. The stars are generally visible but show signs of fading and wear. The lettering of the surrounding inscriptions is frequently soft or partially worn into the rim, though enough remains to confirm the coin’s identity and denomination.
The key identifying feature of the Open 3 variety is the shape of the digit “3” in the date. The Closed 3 has tighter loops that make it resemble an “8,” while the Open 3 was altered to increase the separation between the upper and lower halves of the digit. Even in Good condition, the distinct open shape of the “3” is usually still visible, especially under magnification. This makes attribution possible even when much of the rest of the coin is heavily worn. The date “1873” typically remains legible on a Good specimen, though the surrounding design elements may be heavily smoothed. The presence of this distinguishing date style elevates the historical and collector value of the coin beyond that of a typical well-worn nickel from the same era.
The total mintage for all 1873 Shield Nickels was 4,165,000, though the Mint did not keep separate tallies for the Closed and Open 3 varieties. It is generally believed that the Closed 3 was struck early in the year and that the Open 3 comprised the majority of the mintage once the design alteration was approved. All Shield Nickels were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, and the 1873 Open 3 issue represents one of the final years of production before the Shield Nickel would be replaced by the Liberty Head “V” Nickel in 1883. While not particularly rare in absolute numbers, Shield Nickels from the 1870s are increasingly difficult to locate in higher grades, and many surviving examples fall into the Good to Very Good range due to extensive circulation.
During the early 1870s, the U.S. economy was shifting from post-war recovery to expansion, even as financial instability loomed on the horizon. The Coinage Act of 1873—the very same year this coin was issued—restructured U.S. currency laws and controversially removed the silver dollar from active coinage, leading to the so-called “Crime of '73.” This legislation ushered in a broader transition toward a gold standard and heightened the significance of base-metal coins like the Shield Nickel in everyday transactions. The five-cent nickel was a coin of practical necessity and was used widely in shops, streetcars, post offices, and taverns. As such, it saw considerable wear in circulation, making lower-grade examples like this one historically reflective of the coin’s widespread use.
The Shield Nickel was composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, a harder alloy that proved more durable than silver but also more difficult to strike. These coins were known for their weak strikes and uneven detail, particularly in the high points of the design. Even uncirculated specimens can appear flat or mushy in certain areas, and with significant wear from circulation, many of the coin’s more intricate features are completely worn smooth. A Good condition 1873 Open 3 Shield Nickel typically shows heavy even wear across both obverse and reverse. The high points, including the shield’s cross and the inner stripes, are usually completely flat. The fields are smooth from friction, and the rims may be incomplete or merged into the design, yet the coin retains enough information to confirm its variety and origin.
Despite its worn condition, a Good grade 1873 Open 3 Shield Nickel holds considerable value for collectors who prioritize completeness and historical representation. For those assembling a date and variety set of Shield Nickels, both the Closed and Open 3 varieties are necessary to fully represent the year. A Good grade coin provides an affordable option for filling that slot while still retaining the distinguishing features that make the Open 3 identifiable. Moreover, collectors who enjoy “coins with a story” often prefer pieces like this one, which show the honest wear of decades of use rather than the untouched surfaces of coins that were saved from circulation early on.
The patina and surface appearance of a Good grade 1873 Open 3 Shield Nickel typically includes a smooth, gray tone that can range from light silver to darker graphite, depending on the storage and handling over the years. Many examples have light contact marks or abrasions consistent with age, but these do not usually detract from the overall appearance. As long as the coin has not been cleaned or damaged, even a heavily worn Shield Nickel retains an appeal rooted in its authenticity and service history. Collectors seeking original, unaltered coins often prefer such examples to those that have been artificially enhanced or cleaned, as natural wear is considered more desirable than tampering.
The 1873 Open 3 Shield Nickel in Good condition remains an enduring artifact of a significant period in American monetary development. It reflects a time of design experimentation, economic transformation, and expanding commerce, all embedded within its well-worn surfaces. While the coin may lack the visual impact of a higher-grade example, it holds its own in a collection by virtue of its story, its role in coinage evolution, and its connection to the challenges of 19th-century minting and trade. For numismatists who appreciate the depth of history over pristine aesthetics, this coin is a quintessential example of how even modest pieces can carry profound meaning.