Dineros of Peru and their Antecedents
1903/803 JF

Obverse:

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Reverse:

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Coin Details

Origin/Country: PERU - DECIMAL
Item Description: DINERO 1903/803 JF
Full Grade: NGC MS 64
Owner: Forest City

Owner Comments:

1903 is the last year Dineros were struck before the dies were reworked, alleviating the glut of overdates (See the 1900 Dinero for a full discussion). Overall, it's a common date, easily traceable in Uncirculated, although none have been graded in Gem or better. All the nicer raw mint state coins I have seen top out at MS 64. Though the 1903 Dinero is common, it's cousin, the 1903 1/2 Dinero, is much more available.

Flatt lists a 90/89 variety, one with normal REPUB: and one with no colon or dot after REPUB(.) He also lists a 1903/893 with 3 low. Krause adds a normal date, 1903/803, 1903/807, 1903/892, and 1903/92. For whatever reason, the catalog reports a $7.50 price drop for three of the overdates, ignore this. The only coin I've seen without a colon after REPUB is my coin (see discussion below). In theory, all coins should have an overdate, although some well circulated pieces appear to be the "normal date". The "803" and "807" underdates may in reality be "893" and "897" because they were using the hubs for Dineros of 1893 and 1897.

One in AU 58 at NGC, one in MS 61 at NGC, four in 62 at NGC (one 1903/803) and one at PCGS, three in 63 at NGC (one 1903/803) and one at PCGS, seven in 64 at NGC (two 1903/803) and one at PCGS. 18 Total graded in mint state. Plus one AU Details 1903/803 at NGC.

Very strong reflective luster dominates the obverse of the set specimen, with rolling argent luster on the reverse. Lots of die lines and die chatter on the obverse could be confused for bag marks. I believe this to be Flatt's "no dots after REPUB". There are, though, very lightly impressed dots when viewed with a loupe. Excessive die polishing is the likely culprit for removal of the dots. All other 1903's I've seen have a strong colon after REPUB. This may actually be a 1903/893 (see above). Tied for top pop with six others at NGC and one at PCGS in 64. Tied with one other at NGC for top 1903/803 overdate.

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