1803 50C Draped Bust Silver Half Dollar, Large 3 PCGS VF35 (CAC)

Here’s a more affordable example of a classic U.S. coin in its assigned grade of VF35. The Draped Bust design combines drama and beauty, and this offering from AUCM is given added cachet with its green CAC sticker.

Ron Guth writes in PCGS Coinfacts: “1803 Half Dollars are found with either a Large or a Small 3 in the date. The most noticeable difference between the two varieties is the thickness and shape of the top bar and serif of the 3's. The Large 3 is a fairly common variety and appears to be roughly five times more common than the Small 3 variety.”

PCGS has graded 85 of the Large 3 variety as VF35 with 181 finer. In CAC, there are 16 in VF35 with 44 finer. Collectors Universe prices the 1803 Large 3 at $2,250.00 in VF35.

The First Philadelphia Mint, where this piece was struck in 1803. Image: Public domain.