1873 Shield Nickel. Open 3. MS-66+ (PCGS). CAC. Luxurious satin to softly frosted surfaces are untoned apart from the lightest golden tinting that is not readily evident at all viewing angles. The strike is razor sharp throughout, the surfaces expectably smooth for the top-of-the-pop (for the issue) MS-66+ grade from PCGS. From an estimated mintage of 2,000,0000 coins for the circulation strike 1873 Open 3 (per Q. David Bowers, 2006), the typical Mint State survivor of which is confined to lower grades due to poor definition and/or lackluster surfaces.