​In the early 1990s, we sold a beautiful raw 1873 Indian Cent to a customer as an MS63RB Closed 3. He sent it to PCGS and asked for a refund because they agreed with the grade, but called it an Open 3. This is the coin pictured in the old green holder, which we still own. Since then, it has been a mission to determine the actual variety.

We have accumulated seven other examples of what we are calling the ‘block date’. After bringing it to the attention of Rick Snow (the well-known Indian Cent specialist and author of the reference book), it has finally been attributed as a separate variety. Please see the link below for the article, pages 18-23, published in Longacre's Ledger, co-authored by Steve and Richard Snow.  It includes pictures of many of the seven examples we have found. 

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​   nnp.washu.edu/Documents/Detail/longacres-ledger/7215097

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Based on the few seen in 30 years of searching, we believe this to be quite a rare variety. Since it has not been widely recognized, it doesn’t bring the premium price we feel it should, and it can still be cherry-picked. We have found them in both Open and Closed 3 holders, proving that it is not really either one.

We may start to sell some examples in the future, so check our Indian Cent listings or contact us if you are interested.​