1803 Draped Bust Cent

About This Coin

The 1803 Draped Bust Cent is a United States cent from the Draped Bust Cents 1796-1807 series — 8th of 12 years in the series. In 1803, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 19.2 million. This represents the highest annual mintage in the entire series, above the series median of 3.9 million. The obverse features Liberty facing right with draped bust and ribbon-bound hair, designed after a Gilbert Stuart portrait and the reverse displays a wreath enclosing ONE CENT and fraction 1/100. Produced during the earliest years of the United States Mint, when the young republic was establishing its monetary system and coinage traditions. Struck in copper, weighing 10.89 grams, with a plain edge. Collectors have cataloged 30 known die varieties for this date across 2 categories, including cud, retained cud. Produced 4 years after the celebrated 1799 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $103 to $6.8K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $72K in MS64 grade at Goldberg Auctioneers. Designed by Robert Scot.