1803 Draped Bust Cent - Small Date, Small Fraction
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
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
$55,813 MS65 01-10-2014 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1803 Draped Bust Cent - Small Date, Small Fraction is a cent produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of 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. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $103 to $1.4K depending on grade and condition. Struck in copper, weighing 10.89 grams, 28 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #1482.
