1873 Half Dollar

mids1999

Is this an open or closed 3?
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I would like to thank everyone on this forum for all the help
they have given me since I joined the forum.

koinkrazy

I think it is a closed 3. Hopefully Lathmach or Roadrunner will give their opinion.

mids1999

what is the difference between an open and closed 3?

Ronyahski

It's a closed 3, errant 8 in the denticles. A closed 3 refers to the gap between the end of the number. On a closed 3, it is closer and the size of the number is larger. Looking between the denticles directly below the 8 in the date, there appears to be the semblence of the errant 8 variety.

hookedoncoins

ttt

itsnotjustme

Good info...

roadrunner

I haven't kept up on the # known for this variety but last time I checked years back it was about 10 pieces.
Wouldn't be surprised if that has doubled since. Ray may be able to give more insight on that.
The arrows at date coins all have the open 3. The no arrows proofs are all of the closed 3 I believe. It's very possible to still find one of these unattributed. The upcoming Stack's sale of the Queller Family collection does not have this variety for sale. It's very tough.

roadrunner

oldcameoproofsguy

<< <i>The no arrows proofs are all of the closed 3 I believe >>



roadrunner,

There is one example of a no arrows open 3 proof graded in PR62 by the PCGS and none by the NGC. This is a super rare proof variety which could prove to be unique. I was at one time considering putting together an entire 1873 proof set until I discovered that this coin existed; it would drive me crazy knowing there was a hole in the set that could possibly never be filled.

Mike

lordmarcovan

Wow, Ronyahski- that's impressive.

Closed 3, sure, but I woulda never spotted that errant 8 in the denticles (in fact, I still can't see it).

Your eyesight and/or monitor must be better than mine.

roadrunner

Old Cameo,

I usually try to stay away from definitive statements on what is known as just when you think you have it right, something else pops up.

roadrunner

mids1999

Is the closed 3, errant 8 in the denticles 1873 half more valuable then the standard 1873 closed 3 half?

mids1999

and what does the errant 8 supposed to look like?
could someone post a link to a picture of one please.
I searched on yahoo and came up with nothing.

oldcameoproofsguy

roadrunner,

It is true that other 1873 no arrows open 3 proof halfs may exist. One day others may surface. However, there is the possibility that the coin graded by the PCGS will be the only one ever graded. Nevertheless, I cannot see great hoards of these coins entering the market. It would be great if a number of these coins do emerge, because then I will take on the 1873 proof set.

My opinion in this area is strong yes, but definitive, no. I actually do try to use language that leaves margin for error.

You are obviously someone who knows a great deal about Seated Liberty coinage! I am glad that you and others are on the forums who can answer my questions about this series.

Mike

roadrunner

Oldcameoproofsguy,

Thanks for the compliment. Since you no doubt have thoroughly researched this particular area you are entitled to have a strong opinion. My knowledge in the 1873 var area is more recollections from reading other people's research. In areas that I have done personal research I'm comfortable stating definitively what I found with the thought that there are always exceptions. I wish I had a much greater familiarity with the many seated varieties but long ago I decided to gravitate away from varieties and concentrate on the condition census for the various dates. I have tons to learn on the varieties. Thankfully there are guys like you, Ray, EVP, etc. to help out.

roadrunner

lazeroo

it looks like the WB-103, errant 8 in denticles.

even in good it's about an r-3.

mids1999

What is r-3?
And what is the WB-103?
I am fairly new please be easy on me I am fairly new.

Russ

mids1999,

R-3 is a ranking on the rarity system developed by Sheldon. That would classify it as "scarce".

Another system is the URS (Universal Rarity Scale). It's a system developed by David Bowers for ranking the rarity of an individual coin. It is far more specific than the Sheldon scale as it has many more levels and includes ranges of surviving population numbers. If the coin were a "URS-3" it would be EXTREMELY rare.

Russ, NCNE

mids1999

thanks for the great definition of r3.

Can someone please tell me an estimated value of this coin.

mids1999

I hate to show my newness but where can I get an explanation of what an errant 8 is and also what a WB-103 is? I think it referrs to some variety of the coin but I would like to learn about varieties. I know about vamlink for morgans but is there a place like that for these half dollars?

lazeroo

well the book is the complete guide to seated half dollars.

the WB refers to the authors. randy wiley and bill bugert.

a copy of the book can still be had for around 50$. all dates in the book have wb#'s attached to each variety in the series. for each date.

mids1999

does the WB-103 have more value then the standard 1873 half?

lathmach

That's the closed 3 variety, WB103 as the others have noted. The no arrows halves are scarcer than the with arrows. The no arrows open 3 is very rare.

Ray

Cam40

No one said waht an errant 8 is in this case yet?

Its a mis-placed device(the 8 in the date)wound up in the denticles at the rim of the coin.

Indian Head Cents are also known for those mis-placed numbers from the date hidden in the denticles.

mids1999

Thank you so much for explaining to me what an errant 8 is. I really had no Idea what it was until now.