1873 2C Open 3, RB PR(PCGS#3655)

1873 2C Open 3, RB PR (PCGS#3655)

December 2020 U.S. Coins Auction

Lot Description: 1873 Two-Cent Piece. Open 3. Proof-65 RB (PCGS). CAC. OGH--First Generation. Lovely steel-brown and pinkish-lilac iridescence mingles with original medium orange mint color on both sides of this exceptional Gem Proof specimen. Fully struck and expertly preserved. This is the more elusive of the two date logotypes of the final year Proof-only 1873 two-cent piece; survivors are approximately two and a half times rarer than their Close 3 counterparts. Traditional numismatic wisdom has it that the Close 3 examples are originals and the Open 3 specimens restrikes, although there is no documentary evidence to support this theory. The Open 3 is a significant condition rarity above the Proof-64 level of preservation, and the premium Gem offered here is of further desirability given the amount of original mint color that it retains. A fitting conclusion to the impressive two-cent set in the Larry H. Miller Collection. Provenance: From the Larry H. Miller Collection. PCGS Population: 24; 20 finer in this category (Proof-66+ RB finest). PCGS# 3655. NGC ID: 2754. Click here for certification details from PCGS.