-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 23585
Checkout
The 1873 Shield Nickel with the Open 3 variety in Very Good condition is a significant and historically rich example from one of America’s earliest base-metal coin series. The Shield Nickel was introduced in 1866 as the first five-cent coin struck in a copper-nickel alloy, marking a departure from the small silver half dimes that previously filled the denomination. The new nickel coinage reflected a shift in the post-Civil War monetary policy toward more durable and cost-effective coinage for daily commerce. By 1873, the series was nearing the end of its production life, and that year’s coinage would feature one of the most notable varieties in the series—the Open 3, a revised version of the year’s date created to fix the confusion caused by the earlier Closed 3 version, which resembled an “8.”
The Shield Nickel was designed by James Barton Longacre, who served as Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. Longacre’s design is laden with patriotic symbolism and reflects the era’s ideals of unity and strength. The obverse showcases a large Union shield, topped by a cross and flanked on each side by olive branches to represent peace and national defense. Decorative scrollwork arcs across the top, and above it is the inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST,” which became a regular motto on U.S. coins during and after the Civil War. In Very Good condition, the obverse retains solid definition of the shield’s outer form. The vertical lines within the shield and some of the scroll and olive branches are typically worn, but their outlines remain visible. The motto is generally legible, although the lettering may be weak in areas, and the rims may show moderate wear with some blending into the fields.
The reverse of the Shield Nickel is a model of simple, functional design. A large numeral “5” is positioned at the center, indicating the coin’s five-cent denomination. Surrounding the number are thirteen six-pointed stars representing the original colonies. Around the perimeter are the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “CENTS.” The reverse was revised in 1867 when rays that originally filled the spaces between the stars were removed to reduce die wear and improve minting consistency. In Very Good condition, the central “5” remains strong, though the fields around it may show smoothness. Most of the stars remain visible, though some will be flat or partially worn. The inscriptions are readable, but with softened edges. The rim may be worn but still mostly intact around the edge.
The distinguishing feature of the 1873 Open 3 variety is the alteration made to the digit “3” in the date. Initially, the Mint used a “Closed 3” style, where the loops were tightly curved and often mistaken for the numeral “8.” This caused concern and confusion, prompting the Mint to redesign the “3” with wider, more open loops. This version became known as the “Open 3.” Even in circulated grades like Very Good, the shape of the “3” is usually visible enough to identify the variety with confidence. On coins of this grade, the date is fully visible, although the digits may be slightly worn. Under modest magnification, the opening in the loops of the “3” remains apparent, making this an easily attributable and desirable subtype among collectors.
All 1873 Shield Nickels were minted at the Philadelphia Mint, which produced the entire series from 1866 through 1883. The total mintage for the year was 4,165,000 coins, encompassing both the Closed and Open 3 varieties. While exact production numbers for each are unknown, it is generally accepted that the Open 3 accounts for a larger share of the mintage, as it replaced the earlier design partway through the year. Even so, both varieties are actively collected, with the Open 3 being particularly favored due to its corrected date style and enhanced legibility. Very Good specimens remain plentiful enough for collectors to acquire without excessive difficulty, yet they retain historical and numismatic appeal due to their clear design and centennial-era origin.
The year 1873 was a pivotal one in American economic and monetary history. It marked the passage of the Coinage Act of 1873, sometimes referred to as the “Crime of ’73,” which effectively ended the minting of silver dollars and moved the nation toward a gold standard. This legislative act reshaped U.S. monetary policy and had lasting implications on silver coinage and the economy. While the Shield Nickel was not directly impacted, as it was a base-metal coin, it continued to circulate widely and serve an important function in commerce. The five-cent denomination was especially practical for everyday use, facilitating transactions in shops, railroads, saloons, and post offices across the expanding nation. The 1873 Shield Nickel is a product of this critical transitional moment, circulating during a time of economic and industrial evolution.
The copper-nickel composition of the Shield Nickel—75% copper and 25% nickel—was chosen for its hardness and durability, although this also made the coin more difficult to strike. Weak strikes are a known characteristic of the series, particularly affecting the obverse’s finer details. Even in uncirculated examples, softness can be seen in the shield’s vertical lines and the scrollwork. In Very Good condition, coins often show blending of these design elements, but major features remain distinct. The shield and numeral “5” retain strong visibility, while most of the stars and legends are readable. The wear is even and honest, with surface smoothness that tells the story of a coin well-used in everyday transactions. The coin’s patina may vary, ranging from silver-gray to deep charcoal, often with pleasing toning in recessed areas.
For collectors, the 1873 Open 3 Shield Nickel in Very Good condition offers a balanced blend of affordability, identifiable detail, and historical importance. It is a necessary inclusion for anyone completing a full Shield Nickel date and variety set. Its transitional role within the series and its connection to a major legislative event in American coinage history enhance its appeal. While higher-grade examples may offer more detail, a Very Good specimen provides all key design elements in a legible and appealing form without the premium associated with finer grades. It remains an excellent piece for display, educational purposes, or as a conversation piece for numismatists interested in Reconstruction-era America.
There is also enduring charm in circulated coins such as the 1873 Open 3 Shield Nickel. Unlike pristine Mint State examples, coins in Very Good condition show that they served their intended purpose—passing from hand to hand during a period of rapid expansion and transformation in the United States. These coins have experienced the reality of 19th-century commerce, and their worn surfaces hold a silent record of that journey. Each one serves as a small, tactile piece of American history, connecting the present to a past filled with change, ambition, and the pursuit of progress through industry and infrastructure.
The 1873 Shield Nickel Open 3 in Very Good condition is more than a modestly worn coin—it is a meaningful artifact from an essential moment in the story of American coinage. With its revised date, patriotic design, and circulation-worn charm, it reflects both the innovation and utility of 19th-century minting. Its resilience as a base-metal coin and its role in daily life during an era of legislative reform and economic transformation make it a valuable addition to any collection. Whether collected for its variety, its design, or its broader historical context, the 1873 Open 3 Shield Nickel continues to hold both numismatic and narrative value nearly 150 years after it was first struck.