Price Guide for 1803 Dime 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.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $8.00 – $48,300.00Uncirculated: $20,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $227.50 – $24,556.00Uncirculated: $16,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $650.00 – $50,000.00Uncirculated: $75,000.00 – $275,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $184.00 – $25,300.00Uncirculated: $211,500.00 – $322,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $295.00 – $1,425.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $900.00 – $60,000.00Uncirculated: $275,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $146.88 – $19,550.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $7,000.00 – $17,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,040.00 – $35,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $8,000.00 – $75,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $399.50 – $56,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,325.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,000.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6,300.00 – $21,850.00
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eBayCirculated: $875.00
Design and Specifications of the 1803 Dime
The 1803 Dime is part of the Draped Bust, Small Eagle series, which was the first dime design of the United States. This coin represents a crucial period in early American coinage, as the young nation was establishing its monetary system. The Draped Bust design was used from 1796 to 1807, with the Small Eagle reverse being replaced by the Heraldic Eagle in 1798 for most denominations, but continuing on dimes until 1807.
| Weight | 2.70 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 20.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (all minted in Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper |
| Obverse Design | Draped Bust design, featuring Liberty facing right, designed by Robert Scot |
| Reverse Design | Small Eagle design, with an eagle surrounded by a wreath, designed by Robert Scot |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of an 1803 Dime has a significant impact on its value. Due to its age and limited mintage, high-grade examples are extremely rare and valuable. Coins in VF (Very Fine) condition or better are highly sought after by collectors. The presence of original luster can greatly increase the value, as can attractive, natural toning.
Strike quality is particularly important for this issue, as many examples show weakness in certain areas, particularly on the reverse. Well-struck coins with full details command a premium. Surface preservation is crucial, with any signs of cleaning or damage severely impacting value.
Mintage: 33,040
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades above VF, with AU and Mint State examples being exceptionally scarce
Varieties Errors: Three varieties: Large 8, Small 8, and JR-4 (with extra berry on reverse)
Market Demand: High, due to its status as an early American coin and low survival rate
The 1803 Dime is considered a key date in the Draped Bust series, making it valuable even in lower grades. The three known varieties (Large 8, Small 8, and JR-4) can affect value, with the JR-4 variety being the rarest and most valuable.
Historical significance plays a role in the coin’s desirability. As an early American coin minted during Thomas Jefferson’s presidency, it holds special appeal for collectors of early U.S. coinage.
The overall rarity of early dimes in any condition adds to the value of the 1803 issue. Provenance can also be a factor, with coins from famous collections or with a documented history of ownership potentially commanding a premium.
