1803 Draped Bust Half Dollar
Base
About This Coin
The 1803 Draped Bust Half Dollar is a United States half dollar from the Draped Bust Half Dollars 1796-1807 series — 5th of 8 years in the series. In 1803, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 376,468. This ranks 5th of 8 years by total mintage, above the series median of 203,379. 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 (1801-1807). 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 13.5 grams, 32.5 mm in diameter, with a lettered: fifty cents or half a dollar edge. Produced 7 years after the celebrated 1796 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $492 to $27K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $196K in MS64 grade at Stack's. 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.
