1873 2C Closed 3, BN PR1BN Certification #47159403, PCGS #3651

Ron Guth

1873 Two Cent pieces come in two formats: Open 3 and Close 3.  The Close 3 variety (sometimes called Closed 3) was the earlier version of the two and was replaced when complaints came in to the Mint that the 3 looked too much like an 8.  The Open 3 variety solved the problem.  For the Proof version, the Open 3 is considered a Restrike.

The mintage of the Proof 1873 Two Cent piece with the Close 3 is only 600 pieces.  Because this is a Proof-only date, demand is very high.  Numerous high-quality examples exist, but Gems in full Red color are the most highly prized.  As an illustration of this point, a PCGS PR67Red example sold for $52,900 in 2010.