Price Guide for 1902 Cent Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.00 – $86.00Uncirculated: $15.00 – $4,370.00
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eBayCirculated: $6.50 – $199.99Uncirculated: $6.63 – $1,199.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $47.00Uncirculated: $50.00 – $550.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $26.00 – $53.00Uncirculated: $16.00 – $1,100.00
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eBayCirculated: $14.99 – $108.50Uncirculated: $36.01 – $485.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $55.00 – $1,050.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $101.20Uncirculated: $98.00 – $3,525.00
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eBayUncirculated: $128.73 – $1,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $125.00 – $2,650.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $38.00Uncirculated: $24.00 – $144,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $86.00 – $22,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $70.00 – $125,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $15.59 – $99.00Uncirculated: $192.00 – $360.00
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eBayCirculated: $34.16 – $425.00Uncirculated: $265.00 – $325.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00 – $230.00Uncirculated: $250.00 – $600.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $601.60
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $275.00 – $800.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,150.00Uncirculated: $1.40 – $3,055.00
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eBayUncirculated: $158.00 – $1,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $160.00 – $5,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $161.00 – $39,100.00
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eBayUncirculated: $495.00 – $7,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $325.00 – $41,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $978.00 – $31,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $50,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1902 Cent
The 1902 Indian Head Cent is part of the iconic Indian Head cent series, which was minted from 1859 to 1909. This coin represents a late-stage example of the design, produced during a period of relative economic stability in the United States.
The Indian Head cent was widely circulated and played a significant role in everyday commerce during the turn of the century. Its design, featuring Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, was a popular and enduring image that symbolized American ideals of liberty and freedom.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc |
| Obverse Design | Indian Head, designed by James Barton Longacre |
| Reverse Design | Oak wreath and shield, designed by James Barton Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1902 Indian Head Cent significantly impacts its value. While the coin is relatively common in circulated grades, examples in uncirculated condition become increasingly scarce and valuable.
Key factors affecting value include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details are more desirable.
2. Luster: Original mint luster adds significant premium, especially for uncirculated coins.
3. Color: Original red coins command the highest premiums, followed by red-brown, and then brown specimens.
4. Surface preservation: Coins free from notable marks, scratches, or spots are more valuable.
Coins graded MS65 or higher are particularly scarce and sought after by collectors, with full red examples being especially valuable.
Mintage: 87,376,722
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Additional factors influencing the 1902 Indian Head Cent’s value include:
1. Toning: Attractive, natural toning can enhance a coin’s appeal and value.
2. Die state: Late die state coins with interesting characteristics may appeal to specialists.
3. Provenance: Coins with a documented history of belonging to notable collections can command a premium.
4. Certification: Coins graded and encapsulated by reputable third-party grading services often sell for higher prices.
5. Market trends: Overall collector interest in Indian Head cents can affect values over time.
While not a key date, high-grade 1902 cents are important type coins for collectors assembling high-quality Indian Head cent sets, which can drive demand for exceptional examples.
