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The Certified $1 Gold Liberty 1873 Open 3 MS62 NGC is a prized example of one of the smallest and most elegant denominations in U.S. coinage history. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint in the final decade of the gold dollar series, this coin embodies the artistic refinement and monetary significance that defined American numismatics during the 19th century. As part of the Type III design introduced in 1856, the 1873 issue showcases a mature evolution in the coin’s aesthetic and functional form. Certified in Mint State 62 by NGC, this coin has survived the passage of over a century and a half in a well-preserved, lustrous state, retaining sharp detail and original character while offering collectors the added appeal of a notable date variety: the Open 3 in the date.
The gold dollar was first authorized by the Coinage Act of 1849, emerging directly from the economic expansion prompted by the California Gold Rush. As the smallest denomination of gold coin ever issued by the United States, the gold dollar played a vital role in the nation's commerce, especially in the South and West where coins were more trusted than banknotes. The Liberty Head design, originally by Chief Engraver James B. Longacre, underwent three major type changes between 1849 and 1889. The Type III design, which includes the 1873 issue, featured a larger portrait of Liberty with more refined detail and was better suited to minting technologies of the time. The 1873 Open 3 is particularly sought after by specialists due to the distinctive style of the numeral “3” in the date, which appears open rather than closed or looped, a feature that helps differentiate varieties and aids in accurate attribution.
The obverse of the 1873 Liberty Head gold dollar displays the profile of Liberty facing left, adorned with a feathered headdress reminiscent of classical depictions of Native American culture, though idealized in the neoclassical style. The word “LIBERTY” is inscribed across the band of the coronet, while the full legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arcs around the portrait. The date “1873” is centered at the bottom. In the Open 3 variety, the curvature of the “3” in the date does not connect fully, giving it a more open appearance than the Closed 3, which has a tighter, more compact loop. On this MS62 example, the portrait is fully struck with strong detail in the headdress feathers and Liberty’s facial features. The fields retain ample luster and show only minor abrasions consistent with the grade.
The reverse of the coin features a wreath composed of agricultural elements, including cotton, corn, tobacco, and wheat, tied with a ribbon at the bottom. Within the wreath is the denomination “1 DOLLAR,” with the date repeated below. This naturalistic design reflects the agrarian values of the 19th-century American economy and is among the most graceful reverses in U.S. coinage. On this certified MS62 specimen, the wreath retains clear definition with visible detail in the grain and leaves. The raised lettering of the denomination is bold and well-centered, and the overall alignment between the obverse and reverse is even, with a clean and attractive rim.
The Philadelphia Mint produced a total of 123,851 gold dollars in 1873, of which a portion featured the Open 3 date style. The Open 3 and Closed 3 varieties are believed to have been struck concurrently using different obverse dies. While neither variety is considered exceedingly rare, the Open 3 is more desirable among collectors due to its clearer and more aesthetically pleasing numeral styling. The 1873 issue falls within a transition year in U.S. coinage history, as the Coinage Act of 1873 ended the production of the silver half dime and dollar and ushered in changes that further aligned the minting process with emerging standards in modern coinage. Gold dollar production would continue for only 16 more years, with decreasing output and popularity, making the 1873 issue one of the last in a lineage that began in the nation’s gold rush era.
Coins certified in Mint State 62 condition by NGC offer a combination of uncirculated surfaces and affordability that appeals to a broad range of collectors. An MS62 coin will exhibit full original detail with only small contact marks or abrasions that prevent it from achieving a higher grade. The strike on this 1873 Open 3 example is strong for the type, which can sometimes suffer from weak central detail due to the coin’s small size and high-relief features. The coin retains its original mint luster, displaying a soft cartwheel effect under light, and the coloration is consistent with the natural gold hue expected of well-preserved 19th-century pieces. The coin has been securely encapsulated by NGC in a tamper-evident holder, ensuring long-term protection and adding confidence to its authenticity and grade.
The $1 Liberty Head gold dollar is composed of 90% gold and 10% copper, with a total weight of 1.672 grams and a diameter of just 15 millimeters. Despite its diminutive size, it carried substantial purchasing power in its time and circulated primarily in areas where paper currency was scarce or distrusted. Today, the coin’s small format adds to its charm and appeal, requiring exceptional minting precision to achieve the level of detail present even in MS62 examples. Collectors often marvel at the coin’s intricate artistry and mechanical perfection within such limited dimensions. The 1873 Open 3 variety, with its crisp date styling and high-grade certification, offers an excellent example of what this series has to offer.
The historical significance of the 1873 gold dollar is enhanced by its place in a year of significant reform in American coinage. The Coinage Act of 1873, sometimes referred to as the “Crime of ’73” by silver interests, marked a major shift in the nation's monetary policy. Though the gold dollar itself was unaffected directly by the legislation, the act signaled a new era in U.S. coinage and fiscal policy. As such, any coin dated 1873 carries added historical resonance. The presence of distinct varieties within the date—such as the Open 3 and Closed 3—adds depth and specialization to the year’s coinage, making it a favorite for collectors pursuing advanced type sets or die variety collections.
The Certified $1 Gold Liberty 1873 Open 3 MS62 NGC offers collectors the opportunity to own a beautifully preserved example of a classic American gold coin at an accessible level. It combines the visual appeal of Mint State preservation with the added numismatic interest of a recognized date variety. Whether as part of a complete gold dollar set, a 19th-century type collection, or as a standalone historical artifact, this coin represents the convergence of fine engraving, monetary history, and the enduring allure of gold. The NGC certification adds an extra layer of security and trust, making it a compelling acquisition for both seasoned collectors and those beginning their journey into classic U.S. gold.