Open and closed "3" on 1873 coins. A holiday present for 19th century collectors.

RogerB

This little letter from Chief Coiner Snowden may explain why there are 1873 coins with closed (top) and open (bottom) "3" in the date. There are also differences in other digits and between logo sets for other denominations.

[1873 two-cent bronze. Cropped from Heritage Auctions photos]

"Mint of the United States
Chief Coiner’s Department.
Philadelphia
January 18, 1873

Hon. James Pollock
Director of the U.S. Mint

Dear Sir:
I desire in a formal manner to direct your attention to the “figures” used in dating the dies for the present year.

They are so heavy, and the space between each so very small that upon the smaller gold and silver, and upon the base coins, it is almost impossible to distinguish with the naked eye, whether the last figure is an eight or a three.

In our ordinary coinage many of the pieces are not brought fully up, and upon such it is impossible to distinguish what is the last figure of this year’s date.

I do not think it creditable to the institution that the coinage of the year should be issued bearing this defect in the date.

I would recommend that an entire new set of figures, avoiding the defects of those in use, be prepared at the earliest possible day.

I am very truly,
Your obedient servant
A. Loudoun Snowden,
Chief Coiner"

[Image courtesy Newman Numismatic Portal, RG104 E-1 Box 91. Photo by John Graffeo.]

Nysoto

Cool! Thanks for the many gifts you give the forum, sir.

KeithMS70

That’s awesome. Thanks for sharing

BillJones

As a kid collector I used to take the Closed 3, 1873 Indian Cent as an 1878 until I learned that the date on the 1878 was much larger.

kaz

"I do not think it creditable to the institution..."

Those old phrasings have a ring to them, don't they?

Thanks, Roger!

AlexinPA

A perfect bit of history, thanks.

CaptHenway

@BillJones said:
As a kid collector I used to take the Closed 3, 1873 Indian Cent as an 1878 until I learned that the date on the 1878 was much larger.

Nobody can blame you! The 1878’s weren’t out yet!!!!!
😆

Raybo

Ain't much of a difference, but I did happen to acquire the 1873 closed 3 along with the open 3 proof for my 2 cent piece collection.
What's next?

Namvet69

Picky picky picky that chief coiner was. Quality control is important.

ricko

Great letter Roger... It demonstrates the diligence of the coiner and attention to detail. Cheers, RickO

RogerB

Snowden was one of the most frequently consulted and influential people on US coinage during the 1870s and 1880s. His "opinions" are all over details of Morgan's 1877/78 silver dollars design.

William

By sheer coincidence, on Monday I wrote a Spotlight article on the Close 3 and Open 3 Dates on the 1873 Indian Head cent, and I cite the same January 18 letter. The article will appear in the January 14 issue of Coin World.

William T. Gibbs, Managing Editor, Coin World

RogerB

Ahhh..... Bill, Looking forward to reading the article!