The 1873 Double Eagles were struck with both styles of date punch. The Philadelphia coins were mostly struck with an Open 3. The Closed 3 coins from this mint are considerably scarcer and all the 25 Proofs struck exhibit the date punch. The San Francisco coins were mostly struck employing the Closed 3 punch and the Open 3 coins from this mint are considerably harder to locate. All the 1873 Double Eagles struck at the Carson City Mint have a Closed 3.

While certain collectors were aware of these varieties, they remained mostly unknown until the publication of Harry X. Boosel’s book “1873-1873” in 1960. In the text, Boosel listed all the known varieties of 1873 coinage as well as the important historical background. This book is out-of-print and somewhat difficult to find but it is an important addition to the library of any serious Type Two Double Eagle collector. Harry was affectionately known as “Mr. 1873.”

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