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1803 Small Date, Small 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-150

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Varieties & References

Other recorded varieties for 1803:

External references

About this coinHistory

The 1803 Small Date with Small Fraction pairs the compact date punches with the shorter fraction numerals on the reverse. Among the multiple variety permutations for the 1803 date, the Small Date, Small Fraction represents one of the scarcer combinations. The Sheldon catalog assigns specific numbers to each die marriage, and the survival rates for each vary based on how long each die pair remained in service.

The 1803 date, across all its varieties, was a productive year for the large cent. The total output was substantial enough that no single variety is impossibly rare, but the distribution of that output across numerous die marriages means each individual variety has a smaller surviving population than the date's total mintage would suggest. For the complete variety collector, the 1803 is one of the most involved single-date projects in the Draped Bust series.

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