1803 Capped Bust to Right Eagle
Base
About This Coin
The 1803 Capped Bust to Right Eagle is a United States Gold Eagle from the Capped Bust to Right Eagles 1795-1804 series — a late issue, 8th of 9 years in the series. In 1803, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 45,051. This represents the second-highest annual mintage in the series, above the series median of 5,999. The obverse features Liberty facing right wearing a cloth cap (pileus) and the reverse displays a small, naturalistic eagle perched on a palm branch within a wreath (1795-1797) or a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM (1797-1804). Multiple die varieties exist. Eagles continued to be exported due to favorable gold-to-silver ratios abroad. Struck in 91.7% gold, 8.3% copper, weighing 17.5 grams, 33 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Produced 5 years after the celebrated 1798 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $13K to $92K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $334K in MS66 grade at American Numismatic Rarities. 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.
