USA 5 cents Union Shield No Rays 1873
USA, Philadelphia


Rarity
Common
Attributes of Coins
Region | USA |
---|---|
Denomination | 5 cents |
Krause number | KM# 97 |
Mintage | 4,550,000 |
Metal | Copper-Nickel |
diameter | 20.5 mm |
weight | 5 g |
Obverse:

Weapon
Creators:
James Barton Longacre
IN GOD WE TRUST
Reverse:

Star
Creators:
James Barton Longacre
5 CENTS
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Introduction of Coins
The term Closed 3 (also listed as Close 3) refers to the first set of date punches used this year for all denominations in which numeral 3 looked nearly like an 8. This flaw was corrected fairly early in the year, which is perhaps where the reconstructed mintage figure of 436,050 was derived. Based on the number known today, it's likely that 1873's mintage of 4-1/2 million nickels was more evenly divided between this and the Open 3 variety than such a mintage suggests. Nevertheless, these coins are somewhat scarce in circulated grades and very scarce in Mint State. Gems are quite rare. The Closed 3 1873 nickels are rich in doubled-die obverse varieties.Read More