CONDITIONALLY RARE 1873-S OPEN 3 DOUBLE EAGLE WITH CAC APPROVAL

Open 3 variety, designated by PCGS

1873-S double eagles are known with a Closed 3 and an Open 3 date logotype. The former is common while the latter is scarce, especially in Uncirculated. In fact, PCGS has graded just five finer than MS61 (all in MS62) and I have never seen or heard of a piece in MS63 or above.

This example is uncommonly free of the abrasions which plague this issue. It is undipped with full coruscating satiny luster below natural golden-orange hues. There are some scattered marks in the obverse fields which limit the grade but this piece is closer to be an MS62 than it is "just" an MS61.

The last auction record for this issue in PCGS MS61 with CAC is for this exact coin which sold for $14,100 as Heritage 9/15: 4229.  Two other PCGS/CAC MS61 coins brought $16,450 (in June 2013) and $16,100 (in July 2010).

If you are a serious collector of Type Two double eagles in high grade, this borderline Condition Census piece represents exceptional value for a series which is starting to show renewed interest.

CAC has approved 8 in this grade with 2 finer (both MS62).