Price Guide for 1873 Three Cents Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 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.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $26.50 – $161.00Uncirculated: $69.00 – $10,575.00
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eBayCirculated: $15.05 – $293.00Uncirculated: $102.50 – $5,275.60
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $275.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $8,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $25.00 – $216.00Uncirculated: $81.00 – $6,469.00
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eBayCirculated: $26.00 – $316.00Uncirculated: $102.51 – $2,699.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $250.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1.50 – $7,050.00
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eBayUncirculated: $171.00 – $1,825.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $225.00 – $275.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $8,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $776.00 – $1,380.00Uncirculated: $8.25 – $9,775.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,253.00 – $4,175.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $900.00 – $1,500.00Uncirculated: $1,750.00 – $12,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,121.00 – $17,250.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,339.15 – $2,550.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,750.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,645.00 – $15,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,000.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $254.40 – $9,775.00
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eBayUncirculated: $380.00 – $760.25
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $450.00 – $10,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1873 Three Cents
The 1873 Three Cent Nickel was part of the Three Cent Nickel series, which was produced from 1865 to 1889. This coin was introduced during the Civil War to help alleviate the coin shortage and provide an alternative to the silver three-cent piece. 1873 marked the last year of the coin’s regular production, as it was only minted for proof sets in subsequent years until its discontinuation in 1889.
| Weight | 1.94 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark) |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Liberty head facing left, wearing a coronet inscribed with 'LIBERTY', designed by James B. Longacre |
| Reverse Design | Roman numeral III within a decorative C-shaped wreath, designed by James B. Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of the 1873 Three Cent Nickel has a significant impact on its value due to its rarity. Circulated examples are scarce, and uncirculated specimens are extremely rare. Coins in MS65 or higher grades command substantial premiums.
For proof coins, the presence of cameo or deep cameo contrast can greatly enhance value. Original surfaces, strong strike, and minimal contact marks are crucial factors in determining the coin’s grade and value.
Mintage: 1,100
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in high grades (MS65 and above)
Varieties Errors: None significant noted
Market Demand: High, due to its rarity and key date status
Mintage: 1,100
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in high grades (PR65 and above)
Varieties Errors: None significant noted
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Rarity is the primary driver of value for the 1873 Three Cent Nickel. Its extremely low mintage makes it highly sought after by collectors of the series and 19th-century type sets.
Toning can play a role in desirability, with attractively toned specimens often commanding premiums. Provenance from notable collections can also increase value.
As the last year of regular production, the 1873 issue holds special historical significance, further enhancing its appeal to collectors and numismatic historians.
