A total of 1,709,800 business strike 1873 Double Eagles were produced at the Philadelphia Mint. The great majority of these are of the Open 3 variety. The Closed 3 of the 1873 Double Eagle is much rarer than the Open 3 counterpart. Considering how many pieces exist and comparing to other Type Two Philadelphia Double Eagles with a similar overall rarity, it is probable only 300,000 pieces were struck.

The quality of strike for the 1873 Closed 3 Double Eagle is not as good as the 1873 Open 3. Many Closed 3 coins are not fully impressed on the hair of Liberty and show weakness on the stars. The reverse tends to be a bit sharper but is rarely seen with complete definition at the centers. 

1872 Double Eagle: Abrasions, Color, and Market Premiums

The surfaces are nearly always found with very heavy abrasions. Any example of this variety which does not show deep, dense nicks commands a strong premium over a ‘typical’ example. The luster on most examples is good with a very frosty texture. The coloration on original, uncleaned pieces is often a green-gold hue with rose or orange-gold shadings. The level of eye appeal for this date is generally below average; mostly as a result of the a forementioned surface abrasions seen on most coins.