1873 Indian Head Cent Open 3 Variety About Good (AG-3) Post-Civil War ☆☆ 252

Denomination: Small Cent

Coin: Indian Head

Composition: Copper

Year: 1873

Color: BN

Fineness: 0.95

Strike Type: Business

Mint Location: Philadelphia

Variety: Copper Bronze

Country of Origin: United States

Struck at the Philadelphia Mint during the Reconstruction era, this 1873 Indian Head Cent features the highly sought-after "Open 3" date variety. Early in 1873, Chief Engraver William Barber's original date punches featured a tight, closed "3" that too closely resembled an "8." Following complaints, a new logotype punch was created with a wider, clearly open "3," creating two distinct, highly collected varieties for the year.

As a scarcer post-Civil War issue, 1873 cents saw heavy circulation during the economic Panic of 1873, making any readable, problem-free representative a prized addition to an Indian Head cent date set. Struck in traditional bronze (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc), this historic variety offers an accessible, budget-friendly entry for a classic key-year set slot.