Price Guide for 1803 Cent Variants

This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.

1803 Penny Large Date, Small Fraction, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $15.75 – $57,500.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $66.66 – $6,500.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $5,500.00 – $92,500.00
1803 Penny Small Date, Large Fraction, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $4.30 – $12,000.00
    Uncirculated: $1,380.00 – $45,425.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $19.05 – $2,750.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $100.00 – $6,750.00
    Uncirculated: $7,250.00 – $57,500.00
1803 Penny Small Date, Small Fraction, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $4.25 – $18,400.00
    Uncirculated: $2,990.00 – $55,812.50
  • eBay
    Circulated: $16.11 – $3,366.66
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $75.00 – $7,500.00
    Uncirculated: $8,000.00 – $57,500.00
1803 Penny Small Date, Sm Frac, RB (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $48.00 – $52,500.00
    Uncirculated: $11,500.00 – $69,000.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $210.59
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $22,500.00 – $140,000.00
1803 Penny Small Date, Lg Frac, RB (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $127.00 – $451.00
    Uncirculated: $19,200.00 – $20,700.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $375.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $7,500.00 – $285,000.00
1803 Penny Large Date, Sm Frac, RB (Regular Strike)
  • eBay
    Circulated: $41.90 – $90.00
    Uncirculated: $12,500.00
1803 Penny Large Date, Large Fraction, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $33.00 – $34,500.00
    Uncirculated: $26,450.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $19.99 – $1,151.88
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $70.00 – $41,500.00
1803 Penny 100/000, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $38.00 – $7,637.50
    Uncirculated: $7,475.00 – $71,875.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $50.00 – $1,885.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $60.00 – $11,500.00
    Uncirculated: $13,000.00 – $67,500.00
1803 Penny No Stems, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $1.50 – $10,000.00
    Uncirculated: $5,060.00 – $18,400.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $15.99 – $1,095.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $175.00 – $11,000.00
    Uncirculated: $11,500.00 – $45,000.00
1803 Penny Small Date, Sm Frac, RD (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $26,450.00 – $92,000.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $72,500.00
1803 Penny Large Date, Large Fraction, RD (Regular Strike)
  • eBay
    Circulated: $326.95
1803 Penny S-244 Sm Date, Sm Frac, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $30.00 – $5,290.00
    Uncirculated: $16,450.00 – $25,850.00
1803 Penny S-245 Sm Date, Sm Frac, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $60.00 – $1,645.00
    Uncirculated: $3,818.75 – $28,200.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $29.99 – $1,576.99
1803 Penny S-246 Sm Date, Sm Frac, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $41.00 – $10,800.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $180.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $125.00 – $3,500.00
1803 Penny S-247 Sm Date, Sm Frac, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $49.00 – $9,694.00
    Uncirculated: $14,400.00 – $15,600.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $48.00 – $750.00
1803 Penny S-247 Sm Date, Sm Frac, RB (Regular Strike)
  • eBay
    Circulated: $895.00
1803 Penny S-248 Sm Date, Sm Frac, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $114.00 – $7,050.00
    Uncirculated: $15,600.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $1,000.00 – $5,600.00
1803 Penny S-250 Sm Date, Sm Frac, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $41.00 – $5,040.00
    Uncirculated: $10,869.00 – $38,775.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $111.77 – $256.20
1803 Penny S-251 Sm Date, Sm Frac, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $33.00 – $7,800.00
    Uncirculated: $4,993.75 – $17,625.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $59.00 – $605.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $125.00 – $5,750.00
    Uncirculated: $6,500.00 – $26,000.00
1803 Penny S-252 Sm Date, Sm Frac, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $109.00 – $7,050.00
    Uncirculated: $8,400.00 – $9,694.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $125.00 – $4,500.00
    Uncirculated: $8,000.00
1803 Penny S-253 Sm Date, Sm Frac, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $52.00 – $6,000.00
    Uncirculated: $3,120.00 – $29,375.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $75.00 – $2,000.00
    Uncirculated: $13,500.00 – $41,000.00
1803 Penny S-254 Sm Date, Sm Frac, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $51.00 – $7,475.00
    Uncirculated: $4,465.00 – $17,400.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $28.00 – $1,795.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $125.00 – $5,750.00
    Uncirculated: $12,500.00 – $26,000.00
1803 Penny S-254 Sm Date, Sm Frac, RB (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $460.00
    Uncirculated: $44,650.00
1803 Penny S-255 Sm Date, Sm Frac, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $61.00 – $4,993.75
    Uncirculated: $9,694.00 – $12,600.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $22.50 – $699.99
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $125.00 – $5,750.00
    Uncirculated: $6,500.00 – $19,000.00
1803 Penny S-256 Sm Date, Sm Frac, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $51.00 – $6,169.00
    Uncirculated: $10,869.00 – $23,500.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $163.50
1803 Penny Sheldon 262, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $126.00 – $8,519.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $150.00 – $194.71
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $850.00 – $8,750.00
1803 Penny S-263 Small Date, Small Fraction, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $47.00 – $18,400.00
    Uncirculated: $7,638.00 – $16,800.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $349.00 – $1,250.00
1803 Penny S-NC-1 Sm Date, Sm Frac, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $336.00 – $7,188.00
1803 Penny S-257 Sm Date, Lg Frac, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $70.00 – $7,763.00
    Uncirculated: $4,700.00 – $21,150.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $85.00 – $1,000.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $75.00 – $5,750.00
    Uncirculated: $6,500.00 – $20,000.00
1803 Penny S-257 Sm Date, Lg Frac, RB (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $282,000.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $300,000.00
1803 Penny S-258 Sm Date, Lg Frac, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $47.00 – $5,405.00
    Uncirculated: $3,163.00 – $36,425.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $41.00 – $2,250.00
    Uncirculated: $6,566.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $75.00 – $5,750.00
    Uncirculated: $6,500.00 – $38,500.00
1803 Penny Sheldon 259, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $132.00 – $3,525.00
    Uncirculated: $24,675.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $211.50
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $85.00 – $4,700.00
    Uncirculated: $31,000.00
1803 Penny S-260 Sm Date, Lg Frac, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $60.00 – $4,700.00
    Uncirculated: $3,407.50 – $31,200.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $37.66 – $496.03
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $125.00 – $5,750.00
    Uncirculated: $6,500.00 – $19,000.00
1803 Penny S-261 Sm Date, Lg Frac, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $90.00 – $6,325.00
    Uncirculated: $5,875.00 – $13,800.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $53.75 – $1,175.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $75.00 – $5,750.00
    Uncirculated: $6,500.00 – $12,500.00
1803 Penny Sheldon-264, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $1,763.00 – $70,500.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $4,500.00 – $85,000.00
1803 Penny Sheldon-265, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $60.00 – $52,800.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $245.00 – $898.00
1803 Penny S-249 100/000, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $114.00 – $13,513.00
    Uncirculated: $16,800.00 – $72,000.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $28.05 – $3,299.99
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $105.00 – $9,500.00
    Uncirculated: $13,000.00 – $67,500.00
1803 Penny S-243 No Stems, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $70.00 – $12,600.00
    Uncirculated: $35,250.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $198.50
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $167.00 – $6,350.00
    Uncirculated: $7,250.00 – $45,000.00
1803 Penny S-243 No Stems, RB (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $78,000.00 – $199,750.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $42,500.00 – $150,000.00

Design and Specifications of the 1803 Cent

The 1803 Cent, also known as the Draped Bust Large Cent, is a significant early American coin. It represents a crucial period in U.S. coinage history, as the young nation was establishing its monetary system. The Draped Bust design, introduced in 1796, continued through 1807 for cents, showcasing the artistic preferences of the early republic.

Weight 10.89 grams
Diameter 29 mm
Mint Marks None (Philadelphia Mint only)
Composition 100% Copper
Obverse Design Draped Bust portrait of Liberty facing right, designed by Robert Scot
Reverse Design Wreath enclosing denomination 'ONE CENT', designed by Robert Scot

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1803 Cents. Due to their age and extensive circulation, high-grade examples are extremely rare and highly sought after. Coins in VF (Very Fine) condition or better command significant premiums. The presence of original red color in uncirculated specimens can greatly increase value.

Strike quality varies considerably for this year, with many coins showing weakness in certain areas. Well-struck examples with full details are particularly desirable. Environmental damage, such as corrosion or porosity, can significantly reduce value.

Philadelphia, No Mint Mark

Mintage: 3,131,691

Rarity Scale: Scarce

Circulation Status: Limited Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS60 and above

Varieties Errors: Small Date and Large Fraction, Small Date and Small Fraction, Large Date and Large Fraction

Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens

Variety collecting is popular for 1803 Cents, with the different date and fraction size combinations being of particular interest. The Small Date and Large Fraction variety is considered the scarcest.

Die state can also impact value, with early die state examples often commanding a premium due to their sharper details. Attractive, natural toning can enhance desirability, especially tones that showcase blues, reds, or multicolored hues.

As with many early copper coins, provenance can play a significant role in value. Coins with a documented history of ownership by notable collectors or inclusion in famous collections can see increased demand and value in the numismatic market.

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