1873 Indian Head Cent - Open 3

Strike Type

Coin Details

Year

1873

Denomination

Cent

Mint Mark

Strike Type

Regular Strike

Series

Indian Head Cents 1859-1909

Designer

James Barton Longacre

Mintage (whole issue)

11,676,500

Composition

95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc

Weight

3.11g

Diameter

19mm

Edge

Plain

Value Estimates

$34 - $498

Values as of May 2026, from published price guides and, in some cases, recorded auction sales. For most coins the range runs from a well-worn example (around G-4) to an uncirculated one, but individual coins can sell for more or less depending on grade, eye appeal and demand. Compare recent sales of similar coins for a closer estimate.

Auction Record

Price realized: $4,049
Sold: 18 July 2021
Grade: MS66+BN
Auction house: eBay

Description

Part of the Indian Head Cents 1859-1909 series, the 1873 Indian Head Cent - Open 3 is a cent from the Philadelphia Mint. All 1873 cents, Open 3 and Closed 3 alike, are counted in the 11.7 million figure; the Open 3 share is unknown. The obverse features Liberty wearing a feathered headdress, often misidentified as a Native American — actually represents Liberty adorned with a chief's war bonnet and the reverse displays an oak wreath with a shield at the top, enclosing ONE CENT. Minted during Reconstruction and the Gilded Age, as the nation healed from civil war and debated the role of silver and gold in the monetary system. Philadelphia's mint — the nation's first — has produced coins without interruption since its founding in 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $34 to $498 depending on grade and condition. Struck in 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #2106.