It might surprise you, but many 2002 Lincoln cents are worth more than just one cent.
In fact, certain rare 2002 pennies have sold for $150… $375… even $6,000 or more!
So what sets these valuable coins apart?
To find out, you’ll need to know exactly what features to look for — because from the outside, a common 2002 penny worth just 1 cent might look nearly identical to a rare and highly valuable one.
Let’s break it down so you can start checking your spare change for these hidden gems!
2002 Penny Value (No Mintmark)
The 2002 Lincoln penny with no mint mark is one of the most common coins you’ll find in pocket change.
That’s because the Philadelphia Mint struck 3,260,800,000 of them — and none carry a mintmark. So if you find a 2002 penny without a mintmark under the date, don’t get too excited — it’s totally normal and very common.
Because of that, worn 2002 no-mintmark pennies without any errors or varieties are worth just face value — 1 cent.
But don’t dismiss all 2002 pennies!
There are some 2002 Lincoln cents worth keeping, especially if they’re in uncirculated condition.
Uncirculated coins have never been used as money and show no signs of wear. They often look as if they were just minted yesterday.
A typical uncirculated 2002 penny is worth 10 to 30 cents.
2002-D Penny Value (“D” Mintmark)
The 2002-D Lincoln penny was struck at the Denver Mint, as shown by the “D” mintmark just below the date.
The Denver Mint actually struck even more 2002 pennies than the Philadelphia Mint — producing a total of 4,028,055,000 coins.
Just like the Philly version, circulated 2002-D pennies are extremely common and not considered rare.
If your 2002-D penny shows signs of wear and doesn’t have any errors or special features, it’s worth only face value — 1 cent.
Still, there are a few 2002-D pennies worth holding onto…
- Uncirculated 2002-D pennies, which show no signs of wear and look brand new, are usually worth 10 to 30 cents.
- High-grade specimens can fetch much more! In fact, the most valuable 2002-D penny ever sold was graded MS69RD by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) — it sold for $376 at auction in 2015.
2002-S Penny Value (“S” Mintmark)
In 2002, the U.S. Mint in San Francisco struck a limited number of special proof pennies — made exclusively for collectors.
These proof coins were:
- Struck on highly polished blanks
- Minted using special dies
- Pressed with extra force to produce razor-sharp details
- Notable for their mirror-like fields and frosted designs and lettering
A total of 2,277,720 proof pennies were minted in San Francisco, each bearing the “S” mintmark under the date.
Value: Most 2002-S proof pennies are worth around $2 to $5 each, depending on condition.
But here’s where it gets interesting…
The most valuable 2002-S penny ever sold is actually a major mint error. In a rare mistake, a pair of Lincoln penny dies struck a blank that was meant for a Roosevelt dime.
This bizarre error coin was:
- Graded PR66DCAM by PCGS
- Classified as a 2002-S Lincoln cent struck on a 10-cent planchet
It sold for an incredible $6,613 in 2003!
IMPORTANT: Do You Know The Grade Of Your 2002 Penny?
A List Of Rare 2002 Error Pennies To Look For
2002 Doubled Die Error Penny
Doubled die pennies are some of the most sought-after error coins by collectors.
These errors occur when part of the design or lettering appears doubled, typically due to a misalignment during the die creation process — not during striking.
Important Note:
Not all coins with visible doubling are true doubled dies.
Most are actually the result of machine doubling, which happens when coin dies become worn or loose, causing minor distortions during striking.
That said, there are genuine 2002 doubled die Lincoln cents out there.
Collectors have reported minor hub doubling on 2002 pennies in areas such as:
- The lettering on either side
- Lincoln’s eye or bowtie
- The columns and architectural details of the Lincoln Memorial
Value:
Authentic 2002 doubled die pennies typically sell for $20 to $50, depending on the clarity and location of the doubling.
2002 Off-Center Error Penny
If you’re hoping to find a dramatic and valuable 2002 penny error, keep an eye out for off-center strikes!
These errors occur when the coin blank (planchet) is not properly centered between the dies during striking — or when the dies themselves are misaligned.
Common Finds:
Most off-center 2002 pennies you’ll see are only 1% to 3% off-center, which is fairly common and adds no extra value.
However, things get more interesting — and valuable — as the off-center strike becomes more pronounced:
- 5% to 10% off-center: These coins are more desirable and usually worth $10 to $20.
- ~50% off-center (with full date & mintmark visible): These dramatic errors are much rarer and can sell for $75 to $150 or more, depending on overall eye appeal.
2002 BIE Error Penny
One of the most fascinating and collectible errors unique to Lincoln cents is the BIE error.
This variety features a small vertical die crack that appears between the letters “B” and “E” in the word “LIBERTY” — located to the left of Abraham Lincoln’s portrait.
The crack typically resembles a blobby capital letter “I”, which is how it earned the name “BIE.”
These errors are popular among collectors of both Lincoln cents and error coins.
- Value: Most 2002 BIE pennies are worth between $5 and $15, depending on the clarity and size of the die break. Sharper, more defined “I”-shaped breaks tend to command higher prices.
FAQ about the 2002 Penny
1. What is the composition of the 2002 penny?
The 2002 Lincoln penny is composed of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper, featuring a copper-plated zinc core. This composition has been used since mid-1982.
2. Which U.S. mints produced the 2002 penny?
The 2002 penny was minted at three locations:
- Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark)
- Denver Mint (“D” mint mark)
- San Francisco Mint (“S” mint mark) – only for proof coins
3. Are there any known errors or varieties in the 2002 penny?
Yes. While there are no major listed varieties, collectors have discovered:
- Off-center strikes
- Clipped planchets
- Die cracks and cuds
- Double strikes
These minting errors can be valuable depending on severity and condition.
4. What design is featured on the 2002 penny?
The obverse features Abraham Lincoln’s portrait (designed by Victor D. Brenner).
The reverse shows the Lincoln Memorial, used from 1959 to 2008.
5. How many 2002 pennies were minted?
The 2002 penny had high mintage numbers:
- Philadelphia: over 3.2 billion
- Denver: over 3.4 billion
- San Francisco (proofs): about 3 million
This makes it a very common coin in circulation.
6. What is the average value of a 2002 penny?
- Circulated coins: Face value (1 cent)
- Uncirculated coins: $0.10 to $1+
- Proof coins (2002-S): $1 to $3
- Error coins: Value depends on type and rarity (can range from a few dollars to $50+)
7. Is the 2002 penny considered a good investment?
Most 2002 pennies are not investment-worthy due to high mintage and low scarcity. However, proof coins, high-grade uncirculated coins, and rare mint errors can be attractive to collectors.
