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.
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $15.75 – $57,500.00
-
eBayCirculated: $66.66 – $6,500.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5,500.00 – $92,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $4.30 – $12,000.00Uncirculated: $1,380.00 – $45,425.00
-
eBayCirculated: $19.05 – $2,750.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $6,750.00Uncirculated: $7,250.00 – $57,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $4.25 – $18,400.00Uncirculated: $2,990.00 – $55,812.50
-
eBayCirculated: $16.11 – $3,366.66
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75.00 – $7,500.00Uncirculated: $8,000.00 – $57,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $48.00 – $52,500.00Uncirculated: $11,500.00 – $69,000.00
-
eBayCirculated: $210.59
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $22,500.00 – $140,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $127.00 – $451.00Uncirculated: $19,200.00 – $20,700.00
-
eBayCirculated: $375.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7,500.00 – $285,000.00
-
eBayCirculated: $41.90 – $90.00Uncirculated: $12,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $33.00 – $34,500.00Uncirculated: $26,450.00
-
eBayCirculated: $19.99 – $1,151.88
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $70.00 – $41,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $38.00 – $7,637.50Uncirculated: $7,475.00 – $71,875.00
-
eBayCirculated: $50.00 – $1,885.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $11,500.00Uncirculated: $13,000.00 – $67,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.50 – $10,000.00Uncirculated: $5,060.00 – $18,400.00
-
eBayCirculated: $15.99 – $1,095.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $175.00 – $11,000.00Uncirculated: $11,500.00 – $45,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $26,450.00 – $92,000.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $72,500.00
-
eBayCirculated: $326.95
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $30.00 – $5,290.00Uncirculated: $16,450.00 – $25,850.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $60.00 – $1,645.00Uncirculated: $3,818.75 – $28,200.00
-
eBayCirculated: $29.99 – $1,576.99
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $41.00 – $10,800.00
-
eBayCirculated: $180.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $125.00 – $3,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $49.00 – $9,694.00Uncirculated: $14,400.00 – $15,600.00
-
eBayCirculated: $48.00 – $750.00
-
eBayCirculated: $895.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $114.00 – $7,050.00Uncirculated: $15,600.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,000.00 – $5,600.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $41.00 – $5,040.00Uncirculated: $10,869.00 – $38,775.00
-
eBayCirculated: $111.77 – $256.20
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $33.00 – $7,800.00Uncirculated: $4,993.75 – $17,625.00
-
eBayCirculated: $59.00 – $605.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $125.00 – $5,750.00Uncirculated: $6,500.00 – $26,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $109.00 – $7,050.00Uncirculated: $8,400.00 – $9,694.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $125.00 – $4,500.00Uncirculated: $8,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $52.00 – $6,000.00Uncirculated: $3,120.00 – $29,375.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75.00 – $2,000.00Uncirculated: $13,500.00 – $41,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $51.00 – $7,475.00Uncirculated: $4,465.00 – $17,400.00
-
eBayCirculated: $28.00 – $1,795.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $125.00 – $5,750.00Uncirculated: $12,500.00 – $26,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $460.00Uncirculated: $44,650.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $61.00 – $4,993.75Uncirculated: $9,694.00 – $12,600.00
-
eBayCirculated: $22.50 – $699.99
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $125.00 – $5,750.00Uncirculated: $6,500.00 – $19,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $51.00 – $6,169.00Uncirculated: $10,869.00 – $23,500.00
-
eBayCirculated: $163.50
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $126.00 – $8,519.00
-
eBayCirculated: $150.00 – $194.71
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $850.00 – $8,750.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $47.00 – $18,400.00Uncirculated: $7,638.00 – $16,800.00
-
eBayCirculated: $349.00 – $1,250.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $336.00 – $7,188.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $70.00 – $7,763.00Uncirculated: $4,700.00 – $21,150.00
-
eBayCirculated: $85.00 – $1,000.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75.00 – $5,750.00Uncirculated: $6,500.00 – $20,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $282,000.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $300,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $47.00 – $5,405.00Uncirculated: $3,163.00 – $36,425.00
-
eBayCirculated: $41.00 – $2,250.00Uncirculated: $6,566.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75.00 – $5,750.00Uncirculated: $6,500.00 – $38,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $132.00 – $3,525.00Uncirculated: $24,675.00
-
eBayCirculated: $211.50
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $85.00 – $4,700.00Uncirculated: $31,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $60.00 – $4,700.00Uncirculated: $3,407.50 – $31,200.00
-
eBayCirculated: $37.66 – $496.03
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $125.00 – $5,750.00Uncirculated: $6,500.00 – $19,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $90.00 – $6,325.00Uncirculated: $5,875.00 – $13,800.00
-
eBayCirculated: $53.75 – $1,175.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75.00 – $5,750.00Uncirculated: $6,500.00 – $12,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,763.00 – $70,500.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $4,500.00 – $85,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $60.00 – $52,800.00
-
eBayCirculated: $245.00 – $898.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $114.00 – $13,513.00Uncirculated: $16,800.00 – $72,000.00
-
eBayCirculated: $28.05 – $3,299.99
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $105.00 – $9,500.00Uncirculated: $13,000.00 – $67,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $70.00 – $12,600.00Uncirculated: $35,250.00
-
eBayCirculated: $198.50
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $167.00 – $6,350.00Uncirculated: $7,250.00 – $45,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $78,000.00 – $199,750.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $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.
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.
