1873 Open 3 Indian Head Penny Value What This Rare Date Is Really Worth
The 1873 Open 3 Indian Head Penny is worth anywhere from $20 in heavily worn condition to over $1,000 or more in high mint state grades. If you’ve stumbled across one of these old cents, you may be holding something more valuable than you think — and this guide will walk you through exactly what to look for.
If you’re not sure whether the coin you’re holding is an Indian Head Penny or something else entirely, a free coin identifier app can help you confirm the coin type, date, and variety before you dive into valuation. Tools like CoinKnow are especially popular for quick, accurate coin identification right from your smartphone.
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What Makes the 1873 Open 3 Indian Head Penny Special
Not all 1873 Indian Head Pennies are created equal. In 1873, the U.S. Mint produced two distinct varieties of this cent — the “Closed 3” and the “Open 3.” The difference lies in the shape of the numeral “3” in the date. On the Open 3 variety, the top curve of the “3” is open, meaning it doesn’t curl all the way around to meet the bottom curve. On the Closed 3, it does.
This might sound like a tiny detail, but in the world of coin collecting, variety matters enormously. The Open 3 is considered the more desirable of the two 1873 varieties by many collectors, and it commands stronger prices across most grade levels. The Philadelphia Mint struck just over 11 million Indian Head Pennies in 1873, but separating Open 3 coins from Closed 3 examples adds a layer of scarcity that drives up collector interest.
If you’re examining your coin, use a magnifying glass and focus closely on the last digit of the date. That small visual difference can translate into a meaningful difference in dollars.
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1873 Open 3 Indian Head Penny Value by Grade
Coin values depend heavily on condition, also called “grade.” A coin that looks nearly new is worth far more than one that’s been worn smooth from decades of circulation. Here’s a general breakdown of what the 1873 Open 3 Indian Head Penny is worth across different grades:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, major details visible | $20 – $35 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | Moderate wear, design clear | $35 – $60 |
| Fine (F-12) | Even wear, some detail remains | $60 – $100 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | Light wear on high points | $100 – $175 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Slight wear, most detail sharp | $175 – $275 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | Trace wear only | $300 – $450 |
| Mint State (MS-63+) | No wear, original luster | $700 – $1,500+ |
For the most up-to-date pricing, you can check detailed 1873 Open 3 Indian Head Penny price data by grade and color designation, which tracks real auction results across all condition levels.
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How Condition and Color Affect the Value
Beyond just wear, Indian Head Pennies — like all copper coins — are also graded by their color. Copper starts out a bright red-orange and gradually tones to brown over time. Grading services like PCGS and NGC use three color designations:
– Red (RD): Original bright copper luster. Most desirable and valuable.
– Red-Brown (RB): Partial original color remaining.
– Brown (BN): Fully toned. Still collectible, but least valuable.
An MS-63 Red 1873 Open 3 Indian Head Penny can be worth double or even triple the price of the same grade in Brown. So if your coin still has a warm, reddish-orange glow, that’s a very good sign.
It’s also worth noting that proof versions of the 1873 Indian Head Penny exist. These were specially struck for collectors and have a mirror-like surface. Proof coins can be worth significantly more — sometimes several thousand dollars depending on condition.
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Where to Sell or Get Your Coin Appraised
Once you know what you have, you’ll want to think about next steps. If your coin appears to be in Fine condition or better, it may be worth having it professionally graded by PCGS or NGC. A certified grade gives buyers confidence and typically results in higher sale prices at auction.
You can sell 1873 Open 3 Indian Head Pennies through platforms like eBay, Heritage Auctions, or local coin dealers. If you want to compare values across different Indian Head Penny dates before deciding, looking at resources like this guide covering Indian Head Penny values across multiple years can give you useful context for how this series trends overall.
For a fast, convenient way to track what your coin might be worth, CoinKnow lets you scan your coins and get instant value estimates based on current market data — a handy tool whether you’re a casual finder or a serious collector.
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FAQ
Q: How do I know if my 1873 penny is the Open 3 or Closed 3 variety?
A: Look closely at the numeral “3” in the date with a magnifying glass. If the top of the “3” doesn’t fully close into a loop — meaning there’s a visible gap — you have the Open 3 variety. The difference is subtle but clearly visible under magnification.
Q: Is the 1873 Open 3 Indian Head Penny rare?
A: It’s not extremely rare, but it is a scarcer variety within the 1873 issue and is actively sought by collectors who pursue Indian Head Penny varieties. High-grade examples, especially in Red mint state, are genuinely hard to find and command premium prices.
Q: Can I use an app to identify and value my 1873 Indian Head Penny?
A: Yes — apps like CoinKnow allow you to photograph your coin and get identification and value information quickly. It’s a great starting point before consulting a professional dealer or submitting for grading.
