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1803 Small Date, Sm Frac

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-149

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Varieties & References

Other recorded varieties for 1803:

External references

About this coinHistory

The 1803 Small Date, Small Fraction variety uses the more compact numeral punches for both the date and the reverse fraction. Both the date digits and the fraction 1/100 are shorter and narrower than their "Large" counterparts. The combination represents one of the less common die marriages for the year and is cataloged separately in the Sheldon reference.

Finding a well-attributed Small Date, Small Fraction 1803 requires either comparison with reference images or reliance on a certified holder with the variety specified. The differences between "large" and "small" punch sizes are consistent but not dramatic, and confident attribution develops with experience handling multiple 1803 varieties side by side.

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 Small Date, Sm Frac Draped Bust Large Cents were minted?
3,131,691 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1803 varieties).
What is a 1803 Small Date, Sm Frac Draped Bust Large Cent made of?
100% Copper, weighing 10.89 g.
What is the melt value of a 1803 Small Date, Sm Frac 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 Small Date, Sm Frac 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.