Price Guide for 1803 Half 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: $7.85 – $15,275.00Uncirculated: $3,910.00 – $164,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $100.00 – $7,350.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $850.00 – $16,000.00Uncirculated: $18,000.00 – $200,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $65.00 – $49,937.50Uncirculated: $7,763.00 – $86,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,425.00 – $3,999.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,500.00 – $75,000.00Uncirculated: $85,000.00 – $135,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $492.00 – $12,650.00Uncirculated: $88,125.00
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eBayCirculated: $475.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,250.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $121.00 – $7,200.00Uncirculated: $26,400.00 – $170,375.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $850.00 – $16,000.00Uncirculated: $18,000.00 – $200,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $207.00 – $25,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $2,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,000.00 – $70,000.00Uncirculated: $85,000.00 – $135,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1803 Half Dime
The 1803 Half Dime is part of the Draped Bust series, which was produced from 1796 to 1805. This coin represents one of the earliest silver denominations minted by the United States Mint. The year 1803 is significant as it marks the last year of the Small Eagle reverse design for half dimes, making it a transitional year in American coinage history.
These early half dimes played a crucial role in daily commerce during the early years of the United States, filling a need for small denomination coins in a growing economy.
| Weight | 1.35 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 16.5 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 Half Dime has a dramatic impact on its value. Due to its age and limited survival rate, finding high-grade examples is extremely challenging. Coins in Very Fine (VF) condition or better are highly sought after by collectors.
Strike quality is particularly important for this issue, as many examples show weakness in certain areas due to the primitive minting technology of the time. Coins with full strike details command significant premiums.
Original surfaces and natural toning are highly prized by collectors, as they indicate the coin has not been cleaned or altered over the years.
Mintage: 37,850
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades above VF, with few known examples in Mint State
Varieties Errors: Large 8 and Small 8 varieties in date
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
The Large 8 and Small 8 varieties in the date can affect value, with the Large 8 typically commanding a premium due to its relative scarcity.
Provenance can significantly increase value, especially if the coin can be traced to a famous collection or has been featured in important auctions.
The historical significance of the 1803 Half Dime as the last year of the Small Eagle reverse design adds to its desirability among early American coin collectors and historians.
Due to its rarity and importance, even low-grade examples of the 1803 Half Dime are valuable and sought after by collectors trying to complete date sets of early American coinage.
