Price Guide for 1873 Two 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: $949.00 – $2,633.00Uncirculated: $40.00 – $5,940.00
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eBayCirculated: $2,257.50 – $2,350.00Uncirculated: $2,332.00 – $4,240.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,150.00 – $2,525.00Uncirculated: $2,550.00 – $8,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,210.00 – $3,450.00Uncirculated: $1,093.00 – $7,050.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3,051.00 – $3,999.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,575.00 – $1,650.00Uncirculated: $1,850.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,100.00 – $1,430.00Uncirculated: $22.25 – $12,925.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2,751.00 – $14,310.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,600.00 – $22,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,100.00 – $1,495.00Uncirculated: $1,380.00 – $55,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,700.00 – $65,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,080.00 – $31,725.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $15,000.00 – $42,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,208.00 – $15,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3,390.00 – $4,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,050.00 – $20,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,210.00Uncirculated: $1,650.00 – $35,938.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,000.00 – $40,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1873 Two Cents
The 1873 Two Cent piece represents the final year of regular production for this denomination. Introduced in 1864 during the Civil War, it was the first U.S. coin to bear the motto ‘IN GOD WE TRUST’. By 1873, the coin’s usefulness had declined due to the return of silver coins to circulation, leading to its discontinuation.
| Weight | 6.22 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 23 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc |
| Obverse Design | Shield with crossed arrows and olive branch, designed by James B. Longacre |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding '2 CENTS', designed by James B. Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1873 Two Cent pieces. Due to their extremely low mintage, even circulated examples command significant premiums. Uncirculated specimens are exceptionally rare and highly sought after.
For circulation strikes, coins in MS63 or better are considered condition rarities. Proofs are generally better preserved, but finding examples free of spotting or toning can be challenging.
Mintage: 600
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in high grades (MS65 and above)
Varieties Errors: Closed 3 and Open 3 varieties in date
Market Demand: High, due to low mintage and final year status
Mintage: 1,100
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades PR65 and above
Varieties Errors: Closed 3 and Open 3 varieties in date
Market Demand: High, especially for gem-quality specimens
The 1873 Two Cent piece offers several factors that can significantly impact its value:
1. Date Variety: Both Closed 3 and Open 3 varieties exist, with the Closed 3 being scarcer and more valuable.
2. Strike Quality: Well-struck examples with full shield details on the obverse and crisp wreath details on the reverse command higher premiums.
3. Original Mint Red Color: Circulation strikes retaining significant original mint red color are extremely rare and highly prized.
4. Cameo Contrast: For proofs, strong cameo or deep cameo contrast can substantially increase value.
5. Historical Significance: As the final year of issue, these coins hold special appeal for collectors of U.S. type sets and 19th-century coinage.
