1803 Draped Bust Cent - Large Date, Small Fraction

Name: 1803 Draped Bust Cent - Large Date, Small Fraction
Brand: United States Mint
Availability: Discontinued

Strike Type

Coin Details

Year

1803

Denomination

Cent

Mint Mark

Strike Type

Regular Strike

Series

Draped Bust Cents 1796-1807

Designer

Robert Scot

Mintage

3,131,691

Composition

Copper

Weight

10.89g

Diameter

28mm

Edge

Plain

Value Estimates

$341 - $6,827

Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.

Auction Record

$57,500 VF35 09-16-2008 Goldberg Auctioneers

Description

The 1803 Draped Bust Cent - Large Date, Small Fraction was struck at the Philadelphia Mint as a cent in the Draped Bust Cents 1796-1807 series. The U.S. Mint produced 3.1 million examples, making this ranked 2nd of 7 mint variants by mintage, with 16% of production. 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. Coined at the Philadelphia facility, the nation's original mint that has operated continuously since its 1792 founding. Estimated market value ranges from $341 to $6.8K depending on grade and condition. Struck in copper, weighing 10.89 grams, 28 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #1497.