1873 Indian Cent. Open 3. MS-65 RB (PCGS). CAC. This sharply struck, softly frosted example exhibits a nice mix of medium orange mint color and original iridescent brown toning. Rick Snow (2014) estimates that 9,000,000 of the 11,676,500 circulation strike cents produced in 1873 are of the Open 3 variety. Even so, this issue is scarce by the standards of the type, most examples redeemed and melted without seeing active circulation pursuant to the terms of the Mint Act of 1871. This is a particularly fortunate survivor whose Gem-quality surfaces will appeal to discerning Indian cent collectors.
