1873 1C Indian Head Cent, Closed 3, NGC MS64+RB (CAC) - Elusive in Mint State!

This would be the perfect addition to the collection of a specialist in Indian Head cents. The 1873 Indian Head cent is a somewhat scarce date, one that has two distinct major varieties. The first variety of all coins that carry the date 1873 has date logotypes that have a number 3 on which the two balls of that numeral were quite close together; at times they were mistaken for an 8. Chief Coiner A.L. Snowden complained about that to the Engraving Department early that year. The consequence of that conversation was a new set of logotypes with smaller balls set further apart. These varieties are known as the 'Closed 3' and 'Open 3', respectively. The 'Closed 3' comprises a distinct minority of that year's mintage. The precise amount is unknown, with Walter Breen saying it is around one million, while David Bowers places it at around a quarter million, which is more than likely closer to the truth. Nonetheless, all 1873 cents are a challenge to find in mint state.