1873 Open 3 2 Cents PR RB Values

Greysheet & Red Book® Price Guide

Sponsor

shop eBay

Sponsor

shop

Sponsor

shop Whitman

Sponsor

shop CAC

Sponsor

shop

1873 Open 3 2 Cents PR RB Values

Details

The Open 3 Variety from 1873 displays spaced out serifs on the 3 and is more scarce than its Closed 3 counterpart. Both varieties come from a combined mintage of 300 coins. Scarce in all grades with great rarity when found in full red gem. Any cameo surfaces are considered great rarities.

Obverse: An ornate shield flanked on the left and right by leaves with arrow heads and shanks (crossed behind) appear protruding at the four corners. A ribbon above the shield bears the words IN GOD WE TRUST, making this coin design the first usage this now-ubiquitous motto. The date is positioned at the bottom center.

Reverse: A large numeral 2 with the word CENTS below (smaller) in the center is framed by a well-defined wheat wreath tied at the bottom center by a simple ribbon. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA appears around the periphery.

Basic Information

GSID:

2761

Coin Date:

1873

Denomination:

2c / 2 Cents

Designation:

PR

Mint & Coinage Details

Mint Location:

Philadelphia

Mintage:

500

Coinage Type:

Two cent piece

Coinage Years:

1864-1873

Composition:

0.95 copper; 0.05 tin & zinc

Varieties and Classification

Variety:

Open 3

Physical Characteristics

Weight:

6.22 gr

Weight:

0.2 oz

Strike Type:

Proof

Diameter:

23 mm

Coin Shape:

Round

Design Details

Designer:

James B. Longacre

Obverse Lettering:

IN GOD WE TRUST, 1873

Obverse Designer:

James B. Longacre

Reverse Lettering:

2, CENTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Reverse Designer:

James B. Longacre

Feedback:

Available on Greysheet Marketplace

View All

Dealer Directory

View All Dealers

Greysheet News

View All News
Greysheet Exclusive Reporting: Semiquincentennial Coins Head to Space
Greysheet Exclusive Reporting: Semiquincentennial Coins Head to Space
5/11/2026

When the next SpaceX Dragon 2 rocket lifts off from Florida, it will be carrying some special cargo.

Second Quarter Dollar Released in 2026 Semiquincentennial Circulating Coin Program
Second Quarter Dollar Released in 2026 Semiquincentennial Circulating Coin Program
5/9/2026

The second quarter dollar in the 2026 Semiquincentennial Circulating Coin Program was released on March 23 at Mount Vernon, the Virginia estate of President George Washington.

The Business of Numismatics: May 2026 Greysheet Editor's Letter
The Business of Numismatics: May 2026 Greysheet Editor's Letter
5/8/2026

Two major auctions featuring a combined 3,892 lots have taken place since the publication of our last issue.

Map icon

DAVID LAWRENCE RARE COINS

Map icon

The Police Athletic League (PAL) Building