Have a photo? Submit it and we'll credit you.

As an eBay Affiliate, Collector's Key may be compensated if you make a purchase through the link(s) above.

1803 100/000

Large Cents · Draped Bust Large Cents · 1796–1807
Variety
Weight10.89 g
Diameter29 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 3,131,691 Combined mintage for all 1803 varieties
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition100% Copper
DesignerRobert Scot
Collector's Key IDCK-143

Collection

collectors own this
on want lists

Your collection

Sign in to track this coin.

Varieties & References

Other recorded varieties for 1803:

External references

About this coinHistory

The 1803 100/000 variety shows the same corrected fraction error found on the 1801 100/000: the denominator was initially punched as 000, then the first zero was overpunched with a 1 to produce 100. The correction is visible as a composite digit where traces of the original 0 remain beneath the 1. Three consecutive years of fraction errors (1801, 1802, 1803) suggest either a systematic problem with the fraction punches available at the Mint or remarkably consistent carelessness in their application.

The 1803 is one of the most complex dates in the Draped Bust series, with eight recognized varieties in the database covering combinations of large and small dates, large and small fractions, stems and no-stems reverses, and the fraction error. The 100/000 variety adds one more layer to an already crowded variety landscape. It carries a premium among error collectors and is identifiable on coins where the fraction area retains enough detail to show the overpunched digit.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $67 $77
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $114 $131
F-12 Fine (F) $225 $260
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $450 $520
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $1,040 $1,200
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU)
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS)
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1803 100/000 Draped Bust Large Cent worth?
In Good condition it runs about $67–$77, rising to roughly $1,040–$1,200 in Extremely Fine. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1803 100/000 Draped Bust Large Cents were minted?
3,131,691 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1803 varieties).
What is a 1803 100/000 Draped Bust Large Cent made of?
100% Copper, weighing 10.89 g.
What is the melt value of a 1803 100/000 Draped Bust Large Cent?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1803 100/000 Draped Bust Large Cent a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.