My 1873 Lib Seated 25c - Open 3 or Closed 3????

chiefbob

The PCGS holder does not mention either variety. When I checked the price guide for this specimen (PF55), that's when I noticed the huge price difference.

I've compared my image with known closed "3"s for sale on the bay, and it sure looks like the closed variety. The "3" almost looks like an "8".

Anyone collect this series or is familiar with the variety and can judge by my image alone?



Thanks,
Bob

coin22lover

It actually does look closed to me, too.

StrikeOutXXX

Looks like the closed 3 to me as well.

http://www.seateddimevarieties.com/Quarter_QOM/1873na_closed3.htm

OPEN


CLOSED


From the above link:

The situation becomes more interesting if one considers the proofs minted in Philadelphia during 1873. Though correctly considered a different issue from business strikes, many collectors, including Eliasberg, have substituted relatively common proofs for very rare business strikes in their sets. All 600 proof quarters minted in 1873 were of the closed 3 variety and are challenging to distinguish from high grade business strikes.

Moldnut

The problem is that it's a Proof not a business strike.

chiefbob

<< <i>The problem is that it's a Proof not a business strike. >>




I was in the MS range and didn't scroll down far enough for the proofs. Poof! My $7,000 just went down to $380...

coindeuce

The Mint did not produce a No Arrows 1873 Proof with Open 3. All 1873 No Arrows Proof quarters are the Close 3 variety, hence no special designation on the holder. The 1873 With Arrows Proof quarter conversely, was only made with an Open 3 in date.

winky

It's closed.

CaptHenway

Closed case closed!

rhedden

Closed 3. Unfortunately, all proofs are closed 3s, and they do not bring a premium. It's the closed 3 business strike that's worth a pretty penny.

BillJones

The Closed 3 came first. It was changed because it looked too much like an eight, especially on the small coins. Since the Open 3 was introduced after the With Arrows coins were introduced, it makes sense that there are no coins without the arrows that have the Open 3.