1803 Draped Bust Half Dime
Base
About This Coin
The 1803 Draped Bust Half Dime is a United States dime from the Draped Bust Half Dimes 1796-1805 series — a late issue, 6th of 7 years in the series. In 1803, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 75,700. This ranks 5th of 7 years by total mintage, above the series median of 27,760. The obverse features Liberty facing right with draped bust and ribbon-bound hair, designed after a Gilbert Stuart portrait and the reverse displays a small, naturalistic eagle perched on a palm branch within a wreath (1796-1797) or a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM (1800-1805). Produced during the earliest years of the United States Mint, when the young republic was establishing its monetary system and coinage traditions. Struck in 89.2% silver, 10.8% copper, weighing 1.35 grams, 16.5 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Struck one year after the 1802 key date, the lowest-mintage regular issue in the series. Across its variants, estimated values range from $2.1K to $119K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $165K in MS65+ grade at Stack's Bowers. Designed by Robert Scot.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
