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Question about an 1873 shield nickel(is this a small3 variety?)

I recently found this nickel while going though a collection that my neighbor gave me, and I noticed that the "3" in the 1873 is much smaller than the "187" is this an actual variety of the nickel, because i don't understand the variation that they have listed for this on PCGS. I believe it could be the "3802 1873 Open 3 Large/Small 3" however, I do not know enough about nickels to know.

Here is a pic of the date:
image
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Comments

  • howardshowards Posts: 1,239 ✭✭✭
    I would need a much bigger photo to be sure, but your coin has the look of an 1873 with the "closed 3" logotype. The difference between "closed 3" logotypes and "open 3" logotypes is how close the arms of the 3 get to each other.

    As a "closed 3" logotype coin, your coin would not be the Lg 3/Sm 3 variety. That variety is an "open 3".

    Closed 3 and Open 3 photos can be found on this page (skip the 1869 stuff at the top):
    Logotype varieties

    Be forewarned that for many 1873 shield nickels it can be difficult to tell whether you have an open 3 or a closed 3.

    A photo of the Lg 3/Sm 3 variety can be found here:

    Lg 3 / Sml 3
  • I realize this is and old post, but many times I was compelled to ask how rare the 1873 Shield Nickel variety repunched date (Large Over Small) is.
    Designated as FS-05-1873-1301 (009) and Fetcher-106, I've read a population of 2. Many years ago I found one in mint state (making it easier to
    distinguish) and after being in my collection for years, I sent it in to be graded at PCGS and received a grade I would have expected. My coin is not in
    that population report and may well be the unknown grade. What is your opinion on this coin as far as rareity? Upon your response I can provide
    the grade and photos. Thanks for any help you can provide. Charlie.
  • BWRCBWRC Posts: 1,447 ✭✭✭
    1873 5C Open 3, Large Over Small 3, FS-1301, MS64 PCGS. CAC

    Heritage Rare Coin auction, is offering the highest graded coin by, PCGS, on the evening of January 7th, Platinum night: Lot 4031

    Brian Wagner Rare Coins, Specializing in PCGS graded, Shield, Liberty and Buffalo Nickels varieties.
  • Wow. I'll have to check up on that. My coin is MS-63. It's got mine beat. Thanks.
  • yosclimberyosclimber Posts: 4,572 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The PCGS Population Report shows 5:
    1 x AU-50, 2 x AU-53, 1 x AU-58, 1 x MS-63 (so it is missing the MS-64 at present)
    http://www.pcgs.com/pop/detail.aspx?c=81&p=MS&t=5
    (click on the + left of 1873 Open 3 to see all the varieties)

    The 5/2014 Census on Howard's page also shows 2 more:
    1 x EF-45, 1 x MS-60 (these might be NGC, ANACS, etc.)
    http://www.shieldnickels.net/snvarpop/SNVarPop.htm
    (look under 1873 Open 3, F-106 (FS-009) S2-3000 )
  • This variety, 1873 open 3, large over small, FS-1301 in MS64 was sold at the Heritage Auction in
    January 2015 for a bid of $ 15,000.00 with a buyer's premium of $ 2,625.00 (1.75%) for a total of
    $ 17,625.00. All I can say is wow. My coin is an MS63 and looks every bit the same as that MS64 coin.
    Thanks for everyone's comments. And happy hunting.
  • numismanumisma Posts: 3,877 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>This variety, 1873 open 3, large over small, FS-1301 in MS64 was sold at the Heritage Auction in
    January 2015 for a bid of $ 15,000.00 with a buyer's premium of $ 2,625.00 (1.75%) for a total of
    $ 17,625.00. All I can say is wow. My coin is an MS63 and looks every bit the same as that MS64 coin.
    Thanks for everyone's comments. And happy hunting. >>



    CHAZ44, congrats on your MS63 FS-1301 and ... welcome to the PCGS Forum!

    Ever consider sending your MS63 in for a grade review?

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