Images courtesy of Superior Galleries

Significant examples:
MS-60+ (illustrated above).  Ex - Garry Fitzgerald, September 1, 1972 - C. Douglas Smith - Dr. Robert A. Schuman - Superior Galleries' "Pre-Long Beach Sale", June 5-7, 2000, Lot 222, where it was described as follows: "1803 S-255 R1 MS60+ Frosty bluish light steel brown with traces of faded mint red in protected areas of the obverse. Would rate a slightly higher grade but there is a dull nick close under the eye plus a couple microscopic ticks on the neck and in the field at right. E-MDS, a very light crack through the tops of ST in STATES. Graded MS63 choice by Noyes and listed as tied with the ANS example for finest known honors. Bland says MS61 slightly behind the ANS coin. Either way you can't own a nicer one."

Recent appearances:
AU-50.  Ex - Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc.'s "Philadelphia 2000" Sale, August 6-7, 2000, Lot 5403, plated, sold for $1,063.75

ANACS Net EF-40, sharpness of AU-50.  Ex - Bowers & Merena Galleries' "The Cabinet of Lucien M. LaRiviere, Part II", March 15-17, 2001, Lot 2492, "B-14, small date, small fraction" sold for $230.00

PCGS VF-30.  Ex - Bowers and Merena Galleries' Robert W. Schwan Collection Sale, October 26-27, 2000, Lot 141, "Sheldon-255, Small Date, Small Fraction", not illustrated @ $207.00

VF-25.  Ex - Bowers and Merena Galleries' Robert W. Schwan Collection Sale, October 26-27, 2000, Lot 142, "Sheldon-255, Small Date Small Fraction", not illustrated @ $230.00

G6.  Ex - Superior Galleries "Pre-Long Beach Coin Sale", May 27-29, 2001, Lot 1141, not illustrated, sold for $46.00

Sources and/or recommended reading:
"Penny Whimsy" by Dr. William H. Sheldon

"Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins" by Walter Breen

Relevant collector organizations:
Early American Coppers Club