View All 1803 Draped Bust Half Dollar

1803 Draped Bust Half Dollar - Small 3

Strike Type
1803 Draped Bust Half Dollar - Small 3

Coin Details

Year
1803
Denomination
Half Dollar
Mint Mark
P
Strike Type
Regular Strike
Series
Draped Bust Half Dollars 1796-1807
Designer
Robert Scot
Mintage
188,234
Composition
89.2% Silver, 10.8% Copper
Weight
13.5g
Diameter
32.5mm
Edge
Lettered: FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR

Value Estimates

$492 - $27,105

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

$195,500 MS64 01-01-2009 Stack's

Description

The 1803 Draped Bust Half Dollar - Small 3 is a half dollar produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the Draped Bust Half Dollars 1796-1807 series. With a mintage of 188,234, this is a less common issue — the lower-mintage of the two mint variants. 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). Large 3 and Small 3 date varieties exist. Mintage increased compared to earlier years. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $492 to $27K depending on grade and condition. 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. Cataloged as PCGS #6067.

External References

Error Varieties

No listings found

This category doesn't have any child listings yet.