1873 Two-Cent Piece. Open 3. Unc Details--Harshly Cleaned (PCGS). This is a so-called restrike variety from an estimated mintage of just 600 coins. There is little or no actual wear, but the surfaces exhibit a harsh cleaning at one time. Swirling cherry-red, golden, and lime-green and blue overtones. As we see it, when it comes to the centers of the shield and the leaves of the wreath, the strike is crisp, in fact, razor-sharp, and well defined in all areas. One of only 600 proofs minted, that number includes both types. Curiously, there are two varieties of the first year of issue (1864) and two of the last year (1873). It is now thought that the Open 3 variety of the 1873 pieces are restrikes made at a later date for sale to collectors.
