Price Guide for 2002 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 PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $489.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.50 – $595.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $175.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $376.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3.31 – $349.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $140.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $6,613.00
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eBayCirculated: $0.99Uncirculated: $0.99 – $251.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $54.00
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eBayUncirculated: $20.51
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eBayCirculated: $1,250.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $2,799.00
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eBayUncirculated: $29.00
Design and Specifications of the 2002 Cent
The 2002 Lincoln Cent continued the long-standing tradition of honoring America’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. This coin marked the 93rd year of the Lincoln Cent design, which was first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the centennial of Lincoln’s birth. The reverse design, featuring the Union Shield, had been in use since 1959, replacing the earlier Wheat Ears design.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | P, D, S |
| Composition | 99.2% zinc, 0.8% copper |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor D. Brenner |
| Reverse Design | Union Shield, designed by Frank Gasparro |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 2002 Lincoln Cent significantly impacts its value, particularly for uncirculated specimens. Coins in pristine condition (MS65 and above) command higher premiums due to their eye appeal and scarcity in top grades.
For circulated coins, the difference in value between grades is minimal due to the large mintage and common nature of the issue. Proof coins are valued primarily based on their cameo contrast and perfection of strike, with Deep Cameo (DCAM) examples being particularly desirable.
Mintage: 6,360,620,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS67, scarce in MS68 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to collectors seeking to complete date sets
Mintage: 4,028,055,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS67, scarce in MS68 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to collectors seeking to complete date sets
Mintage: 3,134,509
Rarity Scale: Common (for proofs)
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to PR69, scarce in PR70
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, appealing to proof set collectors
While the 2002 Lincoln Cent is generally common, certain factors can enhance its value:
1. Strike Quality: Well-struck examples with full details, especially on Lincoln’s hair and the shield, are more desirable.
2. Luster: Coins with original, vibrant mint luster are preferred by collectors.
3. Color: For uncirculated coins, those with attractive, original red color (designated RD) are more valuable than those with brown (BN) or red-brown (RB) coloration.
4. Error Coins: While no major errors are known for this year, any discovered off-center strikes, double dies, or other mistakes could carry a premium.
5. Certification: Coins graded and encapsulated by reputable grading services often command higher prices, especially in top grades.
