Closed 3 variety.

The 1873 Closed 3 is a very scarce coin whose relative unavailability is obscured by the fact that its counterpart the Open 3 is exceedingly common, even in Uncirculated. I doubt if as many as two dozen are known in Uncirculated and virtually all grade MS60. Properly graded MS61′s are rare and the finest known are a small group of MS62′s including a very choice example just found in the Saddle Ridge hoard.

This fresh to the market 1873 Closed 3 is the best I’ve handled in many years. It is fresh and reasonably free of serious marks with the majority of the scuffs present in the left obverse field. The surfaces are very frosty and have not been dipped or processed; both sides show nice light yellow gold and rose color. A tiny obverse rim bump at 2:00 does not detract.

Not a single PCGS graded MS61 1873 Closed 3 double eagle has sold at auction since June, 2000. A PCGS MS62 brought $16,450 as Heritage 9/12: 5060.

If you collect Type Two double eagles, you know the significance of this offering.