my type set is once again 100% complete—new bust dollar purchase [UPDATE—1/28/24]
P0CKETCHANGE
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A little over a year ago, I sold a 1799 VF20 bust dollar that I liked, but knew wasn't quite the coin I wanted to represent this important series in my type set. I've been casually seeking an upgrade since, until this example came along recently:
My set and interests skew strongly towards attractively toned coins with character, and this 1803 (Large 3) in an XF45 holder stuck out to me among so many underwhelming, drab examples (many with major problems).
Adding it back to my "Basic U.S. Coin Design, No Gold" Registry set was a satisfying moment, as I still consider myself primarily a type collector, although I've increasingly been specializing in a small handful of series/sets. 
By no means am I an expert in or even particularly knowledgeable about bust dollars, and I would appreciate candid input from folks on the forum on accuracy of grade, surfaces/patina, die pairing & variety, and anything else.
What do you all think? All comments are encouraged, not just positive ones—I am eager to learn and improve. 
Thanks for looking.
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
Comments
Here is some candor for you: I think it's a lovely circ cam with color and I would be happy to own it.
If you really want anything else, I prefer the 1795-1799 issues just a tad because a date starting with 17 is cool.
Great newp!!!
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That's a solid coin at a solid grade. Surfaces are very clean for the issue, and though I see some pretty deep marks on the reverse (would probably keep it from CAC) they are toned over and well hidden in the design and don't detract from the look. Love that you found a nice 1803, the 1801-1803 coins are seriously under-appreciated.
Super nice bust dollar!!
excellent NEWP !!
Top 10 Cal Fractional Type Set
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What a beautiful bust dollar!
That's a way cool dollar, I like
That's lovely
!
I am a newer collector (started April 2020), and I primarily focus on U.S. Half Cents and Type Coins. Early copper is my favorite.
I know, that’s why I had a 1799 originally. I decided to expand my criteria to include the 1800s dates to give me a better choice of coins, but a 17xx is admittedly cooler
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
Wow. Many Many Many years ago when I had the idea I would become a coin dealer I was going to specialize in Bust Dollars.
That one is the poster child for people who love bust dollars. James
I really like that coin. I had one once but sold it to a coin dealer to fuel some morgan purchases. I regret it now. Should have held on to it.
Student of numismatics and collector of Morgan dollars
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Very attractive and a worthy coin for type! 👍👍
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
Very cool addition! As a (sort of) fellow type collector I can see why you would opt for the XF piece... a 1700's dated specimen notwithstanding...
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Looks really nice to me! Congrats!
Nice coin.
Would like to see it in hand. There appears to be some original mint luster on the coin, but it was net graded. Coin has retoned. That, and something going on the face probably did it. See minimal marks on the coin for the grade, and don't have an issue with it in an XF 45 holder (many of these coins have been lightly cleaned and slabbed, yours appears cleaner than most). Would like to see Mark Feld chime in on this one.
"Seu cabra da peste,
"Sou Mangueira......."
How about a link to your set?
Mike
My Indians
Danco Set
Splendid coin!
My YouTube Channel
Very nice, congrats!
Jbknifeandcoin.com
IG: jb_rarities
Graffiti on the reverse?
She’s a lovely representative of early U.S. federal coinage.
That’s a beautiful example. Congrats!
[UPDATE]—here is how the coin came back from CAC. Given the price point, I'd assumed it didn't pass CAC when I bought it, but I sent it in to be 100% sure and asked that they indicate a reason if it failed.
@Elcontador your read on the coin seems to be spot on—well done from just a few photos.
@fluffy155 and @1madman both pointed out the deeper marks on the reverse, which HA described as "pin scratches" in a prior auction appearance (not how I obtained it). I took these into account at the time of purchase.
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
Outstanding coin. I can only wish to find a piece that sweet to put into my type set.
Having fun while switching things up and focusing on a next level PCGS slabbed 1950+ type set, while still looking for great examples for the 7070.
That's a long way from a 20, for sure!
And while technically I think JA is correct, I also think PCGS got it right.
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
removed
Mike
My Indians
Danco Set
Those scratches (pin scars), to me, are market acceptable
Yes, I think PCGS got it right. The coin is closer to (or all the way) a 50 except for a mild old cleaning and a couple of old, toned over pin scars, and I think they netted it back just a hair
I'm okay with JA not stickering it. I would be surprised if he did, but not from the pin scars. He "might" let that pass, all other things being acceptable.
And finally, just because YOU didn't bid doesn't mean it isn't a worthwhile coin. Grow up.
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
Removed
Mike
My Indians
Danco Set
Nice look on this coin.
Nice honest coin. Arguably the second most common bust dollar variety (1802 BB-241 beating it by about 15-20%). But it is a solid example at the right grade. No reason for many to go either VF or AU on that. I do not see the few small scratches in the upper reverse as taking anything away from it. Great type coin choice.
Here is some population and grade information accumulated on the SSDC Registry for certified 1803 bust dollars. The median overall grade is VF30. Yours clears that hump nicely.
Thanks @alefzero —as a type collector, I know very little about the varieties and die pairings, so that is useful novel information to me. Is that SSDC database/details publicly accessible?
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
[UPDATE]—the coin is now CMQ-approved
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
Very nice!
How do you get the reverse slab photos? I couldn't find it on cert verification here:
https://cmq.stacksbowers.com/coin-lookup.php?cert=28483104
The reverse photo (and a high-res obverse shot) is available in my CMQ account portal.
Nothing is as expensive as free money.