1803 Small 3 Draped Bust Dollar
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About the Draped Bust Dollar
The Draped Bust Dollar is one of the most sought after coins in the United States coin series. Produced between 1795 and 1803, the coin was designed and crafted by engraver Robert Scot and is sometimes referred to as the “Turban Head” or “Bust Dollar.”
The obverse of the coin features a portrait of Liberty, facing to the left and surrounded by an ornamental wreath. She wears a coat draped with a star-spangled shawl, which follows her neckline and is reflected in her bust. The words “Liberty” and “1798” are written around the portrait.
The reverse of the coin shows an eagle with spread wings and a shield on its breast. The eagle holds an olive branch and arrows, with the words “United States of America” written around the top and “E Pluribus Unum” at the bottom.
The Draped Bust Dollar comes in two varieties – the small eagle reverse and the heraldic eagle reverse. The heraldic eagle reverse first appeared in 1804 and is usually more valuable due to its rarity.
As one of the early American coins, the Draped Bust Dollar is both a historical artifact and collectible. The coin is a must-have for coin and numismatic collectors alike and can be found in different grades, including Brilliant Uncirculated (BU), Mint State (MS), and Extremely Fine (EF).
For the collector looking to get their hands on a Draped Bust Dollar, the coins are generally available in auctions and online. Prices for Draped Bust Dollars are generally determined by grade, and can range from a few hundred dollars for a lower grade specimen, to a few thousand for rare examples.
The 1803 Small 3 Draped Bust Dollar coin, has a total mintage of 85,634, struck at the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania mint, and engraved by Robert Scot. Made of silver (.892) (.1076 copper), weighing 26.96 grams, with a diameter of 39 mm, and featuring a lettered with decorations between words edge.
The obverse is draped bust right, 13 stars around. It reads “LIBERTY 1799”. The reverse is heraldic eagle: bald eagle with wings outstretched, facing left holding ribbon in beak, arrows held in left talon and olive branch in right talon; with shield on chest and 13 stars above. It reads “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA E PLURIBUS UNUM”.
Price by Grade
Sign up to see prices| Grade | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 3 | $1,000.00 |
| 4 | $1,200.00 |
| 8 | $1,600.00 |
| 12 | $2,100.00 |
| 20 | $2,900.00 |
| 40 | $6,000.00 |
| 45 | $7,000.00 |
| 50 | $8,000.00 |
| 55 | $15,000.00 |
| 58 | $21,000.00 |
| 60 | $29,000.00 |
| 62 | $40,000.00 |
| 63 | $70,000.00 |
| 65 | $800,000.00 |
Specifications
- Type
- Standard circulation coin
- Composition
- Silver (.892) (.1076 copper)
- Weight
- 26.96 g
- Diameter
- 39 mm
- Edge
- Lettered with decorations between words
- Designer
- Robert Scot
- Currency
- Dollar (1785-date)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the mintage of the 1803 Small 3 Draped Bust Dollar?
- The 1803 Small 3 Draped Bust Dollar has a total mintage of 85,634.
- What is the 1803 Small 3 Draped Bust Dollar made of?
- The 1803 Small 3 Draped Bust Dollar is made of silver (.892) (.1076 copper), weighs 26.96 grams, measures 39 mm in diameter.
- Where was the 1803 Small 3 Draped Bust Dollar minted?
- The 1803 Small 3 Draped Bust Dollar was struck at the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania mint.
- How much is a 1803 Small 3 Draped Bust Dollar worth?
- A 1803 Small 3 Draped Bust Dollar is valued between $1000 and $800000, depending on grade and condition.
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