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1803 Large Date, Large Fraction

Large Cents · Draped Bust Large Cents · 1796–1807
Regular
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-144

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Varieties & References

Other recorded varieties for 1803:

External references

About this coinHistory

The 1803 Large Date, Large Fraction variety is the standard issue for the date, combining the larger date numeral punches with the larger fraction 1/100 on the reverse. "Large" and "Small" in this context refer to the physical size of the numeral punches used by the engraver: the Large Date punches produce taller, bolder digits, while the Small Date punches produce more compact numerals. The same distinction applies to the fraction.

The 1803 date is notable for the number of recognized varieties it produced. The Mint used multiple combinations of date and fraction punches across different die pairs, creating a matrix of collectible varieties. The Large Date, Large Fraction is the most commonly encountered combination and serves as the baseline for pricing the other varieties.

A collector who wants a single 1803 large cent without variety concerns will likely acquire a Large Date, Large Fraction first. A variety collector will need all combinations that the specific Sheldon numbers dictate, which can be a substantial project within a single date.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G)
VG-8 Very Good (VG)
F-12 Fine (F)
VF-20 Very Fine (VF)
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF)
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU)
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS)
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How many 1803 Large Date, Large Fraction Draped Bust Large Cents were minted?
3,131,691 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1803 varieties).
What is a 1803 Large Date, Large Fraction Draped Bust Large Cent made of?
100% Copper, weighing 10.89 g.
What is the melt value of a 1803 Large Date, Large Fraction 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 Large Date, Large Fraction 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.