1803 Draped Bust Dollar
Base
About This Coin
The 1803 Draped Bust Dollar is a United States dollar from the Draped Bust Dollars 1795-1804 series — a late issue, 9th of 10 years in the series. In 1803, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 85,644. This ranks 6th of 10 years by total mintage, above the series median of 85,560. 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 (1795-1798) or a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM (1798-1804). Produced during the earliest years of the United States Mint, when the young republic was establishing its monetary system and coinage traditions. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 27 grams, 40 mm in diameter, with a lettered: hundred cents one dollar or unit edge. Struck one year before the 1804 key date, the lowest-mintage regular issue in the series. Across its variants, estimated values range from $839 to $1218K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $852K in PR66 grade at Heritage Auctions. 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.
