1873 $5 Closed 3 MS(PCGS#8329)

February 2025 Showcase Auction - U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

1185

Grade

MS63

Price

4,800

Lot Description

Gorgeous satin surfaces are bathed in vivid rose-orange patina. Suitably bold in strike with remarkably smooth surfaces for a survivor of this conditionally challenging issue. The 1873 is an outlier in the circulation strike Philadelphia Mint half eagle series of 1862 to 1877 in that is has a relatively high mintage of 224,985 coins. This figure includes examples of both the Close and Open 3 date styles, the former a bit more challenging to locate in today's market. In truth, however, both varieties of the 1873 are scarce in an absolute sense and quite rare in Mint State, especially above the MS-62 level. This premium quality Choice Uncirculated example represents a significant find and fleeting bidding opportunity for the astute gold collector.