Public domain — Wehwalt
Nickel · $0.05
1873 Shield & Liberty Nickels (1866-1912)
Closed 3; Open 3
Key Features
Closed 3: 436,050. Open 3: 4,113,950. Total: 4,550,000. All 1873 proofs are Closed 3. Source: shieldnickels.us; PCGS CoinFacts notes the Closed 3 is considerably scarcer.
Intriguing History
The Shield nickel had replaced the silver half dime in everyday use by 1873, the year the Coinage Act ended the half dime for good. Early 1873 dates used a Closed 3 whose knobs nearly touched. Chief Coiner A. Loudon Snowden complained it could be mistaken for an 8, so engravers under Chief Engraver William Barber cut an Open 3 partway through the year.
Total Weight5.00 g