The 1873 Open 3 Indian Head Penny is worth anywhere from $25 in worn condition to over $6,500 in high-grade mint state. Whether you found one in an old jar or inherited a collection, this specific variety is a prized find for many American collectors.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
Good (G-4)	$25 – $35
Fine (F-12)	$65 – $80
Extremely Fine (XF-40)	$175 – $220
Uncirculated (MS-63)	$600 – $850
Gem Mint (MS-65 RD)	$4,500+

Identifying the 1873 Open 3 Variety on Your Indian Penny

If you are looking at an old copper cent from 1873, the first thing you need to check is the shape of the digit “3” in the date. This year is famous among numismatists because the U.S. Mint changed the style of the numbers mid-year. To get an accurate reading, many people use a top coin identifier app to zoom in on the date and compare it with known high-resolution samples.

The “Open 3” variety is characterized by the spacing between the ends of the numeral 3. On the Open 3, the upper and lower curls of the 3 are further apart, and the “knobs” on the ends of the curls are smaller. This differs from the “Closed 3,” where the ends nearly touch, making it look almost like an 8 at first glance.

Why does this matter? While both are valuable, the Open 3 is generally considered more common than the Closed 3, but it remains a “key date” subtype that holds strong value in the market. If you are unsure which one you have, CoinKnow can help you identify the subtle differences in the die strike within seconds using just a photo.

Determining the Market Value of 1873 Indian Head Pennies

The market for 19th-century copper is driven heavily by eye appeal and the amount of detail remaining on Lady Liberty’s headdress. For the average person, the biggest hurdle is deciding whether to sell a coin “as is” or have it professionally graded. Most 1873 Open 3 pennies found in circulation are in “Good” or “Very Good” condition, meaning they are quite worn but the date and major lettering are still legible.

When checking current market trends, you might notice that a coin’s price can fluctuate based on whether it has a brown, red-brown, or red finish. For example, the 1873 Open 3 Indian Head Penny MS65 RD price can reach staggering heights compared to a standard brown version. This is because red (RD) coins have retained their original mint luster for over 150 years.

If you are trying to estimate what a buyer would pay right now, use the table below as a guide for various grades. Keep in mind that “cleaned” coins—those that have been scrubbed with chemicals or cloths—are worth significantly less than coins with natural aging.

Grade Detail	Key Features Visible	Retail Price
Good (G)	Only “LIBERTY” is invisible; outlines are clear.	$25
Very Fine (VF)	At least 3 letters of “LIBERTY” are bold.	$110
About Uncirculated (AU)	Slight wear on the hair and tips of feathers.	$350

Grading Factors: The Liberty Head and Feathers

To understand the price of your coin, you need to look at the “obverse” (the front side). The Indian Head Penny actually depicts Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress. The most important area to inspect is the word “LIBERTY” inscribed on the headband. If all seven letters are crisp and clear, you are likely holding a coin worth hundreds of dollars.

Lower-grade coins will have a “flat” appearance on the highest points of the design. Specifically, look at the tips of the feathers and the hair just above the ear. If these areas are smooth, the coin is in a lower “Circulated” grade. Using an app like CoinKnow helps amateur collectors grade their coins by comparing them to a library of high-resolution images.

Another factor is the surface quality. Is there green corrosion? Are there deep scratches? These “environmental damage” markers can drop the price by 50% or more. However, even a damaged 1873 Open 3 is still worth more than its face value! It’s always helpful to check the historical pricing of Indian Head Pennies to see how early 1870s dates consistently outperform later dates from the 1890s.

The “Doubled Die” and Other 1873 Rare Varieties

While looking for the Open 3 variety, keep an eye out for another rare 1873 error: the “Doubled Die Liberty.” This is one of the most famous errors in the entire series. If you see clear doubling or “ghosting” on the word “LIBERTY” in the headband, your penny could be worth thousands, even in low grades.

There is also a “Closed 3” variety from the same year. In the early 1870s, the Chief Coiner received complaints that the “3” looked too much like an “8.” Consequently, the die was recut to create the “Open 3” variety that we see most often. Collectors often want one of each, which keeps the demand for the Open 3 steady.

Check the back of the coin (the reverse) as well. You are looking at an Oak Wreath and a small shield at the top. Ensure there are no sharp “pitting” marks, which would indicate the coin was buried in the ground. A clean, chocolate-brown surface is much more desirable to a local coin shop or an eBay bidder.

1873 Variety	Rarity Level	Premium over Common Dates
Open 3 (Standard)	Moderate	High
Closed 3	Scarce	Higher
Doubled Die Liberty	Extremely Rare	Extreme

Where to Sell Your 1873 Indian Head Penny

Once you’ve used CoinKnow to identify your variety and estimated its grade, you might want to cash in. For a coin of this age and value, you have three main options. The first is a local coin shop. This is the fastest way to get cash, but expect them to offer you “wholesale” prices (usually 50-70% of the retail value) so they can make a profit.

The second option is an online auction like eBay. This allows you to reach collectors directly. Make sure to take very clear, high-resolution photos of both sides and specifically the date. If your coin looks like it’s in “Uncirculated” condition, it is highly recommended to send it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC first. A “certified” coin sells for much more than a “raw” coin because the buyer has a guarantee of authenticity.

Finally, you can attend a coin show. These are great because you can get multiple opinions from different dealers in one room. If you tell them you have an “1873 Open 3,” they will know exactly what you are talking about. Always be wary of anyone who tries to tell you your coin is common; the early 1870s were low-production years for the penny, making them all relatively valuable.

FAQ

Q: How can I tell the difference between the 1873 Open 3 and Closed 3?

A: Look closely at the “3” in the date. On the Open 3, the spacing between the two ends of the 3 is wide. On the Closed 3, the ends are very close together, making the openings look like tiny slivers.

Q: Is a cleaned 1873 penny still valuable?

A: Yes, because it is a semi-key date, it will still have value. However, cleaning a coin leaves microscopic scratches that collectors hate. A cleaned 1873 Open 3 might only sell for $10-$15 instead of $25-$30. Never clean your coins!

Q: What is the most expensive 1873 Open 3 ever sold?

A: High-grade Proof versions or Mint State “Red” versions can sell for over $10,000 at major auctions. The value depends entirely on the “Red” color and the lack of marks.

Q: Do I need a magnifying glass to see the “Open 3”?

A: While a magnifying glass helps, most people can see the difference with a smartphone camera zoom. Modern apps are also excellent at identifying these specific varieties for beginners.