1803 Draped Bust Dollar PCGS Certified XF40

Production of United States coins formally began in 1793, one year after the U.S. Mint was established by the Coinage Act of April 4th, 1792. The first copper and silver coins featured a youthful depiction of Liberty, referred to as the Flowing Hair design. These coins were short-lived and replaced with a more mature and rather buxom figure of Miss Liberty in 1795. The so called Draped Bust design is believed to have been modeled after Ann Willing Bingham, a Philadelphia socialite regarded as one of the most beautiful women of her day.

The obverse design features Liberty, facing right, with long, elegant locks tied back with a ribbon and bow, and ample cleavage visible above a fold of drapery. The reverse features an American Bald Eagle. The earlier varieties employed a small, naturalistic form of the bird encircled by a wreath, which was later changed to a larger, heraldic eagle bearing a shield on its chest and clenching an olive branch and arrows in its talons.

The various denominations of Draped Bust coinage were short-lived like their predecessors, with regular production of the dollar lasting only until 1804, although all dollars produced that year were struck with 1802 or 1803 dies. In 1834, a small quantity of 1804-dated dollars were produced as gifts for diplomats, as well as several additional examples in the 1850s.

The 1804 Dollar is one of the most famous and valuable coins in U.S. history. The finest specimen known of the mere 15 coins bearing this date sold at auction for a record $4,100,000 dollars in 1999! Offered here is the much more affordable 1803 variety in above average condition for the year, with bold features and original color.

You will receive the unique coin shown in the photos housed in a plush-lined box with a certificate of authenticity.