1802 Penny Value: How Much Is It Worth Today?

The 1802 Penny Value depends on several key factors that every collector should understand.

These Draped Bust large cents, produced at the Philadelphia Mint over 220 years ago, hold substantial worth in today’s numismatic market. Standard examples in average condition typically trade for around $132, though specific varieties can command different prices.

The “stemless wreath” variety averages approximately $183, while well-preserved specimens in mint state condition have reached impressive auction results, with one example selling for $43,125.

Whether you inherited an old coin or are building a collection, knowing how to evaluate 1802 Penny Value helps you make informed decisions about these historic copper pieces.

 

1802 Penny Value By Variety

The 1802 penny was struck with multiple die varieties, each carrying different values. Understanding these variations helps collectors identify and properly assess their coins.

If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Pennies Worth Money (1959 – Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1802 Penny Worth Money

The auction records reveal substantial price differences among 1802 pennies, with condition and variety determining final values.

The highest-graded example, an MS67 specimen, achieved $333,500, while an MS66 “No Stems” variety reached $241,500. These figures demonstrate how grade differences of just one or two points can translate to tens of thousands of dollars in value.

The “No Stems” variety appears multiple times in the top rankings, with MS66 and MS64 examples commanding $241,500 and $75,325 respectively. Similarly, the S-228 1/000 error variety shows strong performance, with an MS65 selling for $82,250 and an MS63 for $54,050. High-grade examples in MS63 and above remain exceptionally scarce, as most surviving 1802 pennies show circulation wear from over 220 years of existence.

The significant price gaps between grades reflect both the technical difficulty of preservation and the limited population of mint state survivors. Collectors seeking these premium examples should expect thorough authentication and professional grading to verify both variety and condition accurately.

Also Read: Lincoln Wheat Penny Value (1909-1958)

 

History of the 1802 Penny

The 1802 penny represents an important period in early American coinage, minted during Thomas Jefferson’s presidency when the young nation was establishing its monetary system. This coin belongs to the Draped Bust series, which the Philadelphia Mint produced from 1796 to 1807.

Chief Engraver Robert Scot designed the Draped Bust motif after transforming a portrait by renowned artist Gilbert Stuart. The inspiration came from Ann Willing Bingham, a prominent Philadelphia socialite and wife of statesman William Bingham. Scot’s design featured Liberty adorned in elegant drapery, replacing the earlier Flowing Hair design that had faced criticism.

The Philadelphia Mint struck approximately 3,435,100 pieces in 1802, making it one of the highest mintages in the Draped Bust series. This substantial production reflected an abundance of copper planchets available at the time and the growing demand for circulating coinage in everyday commerce.

About 20 different die marriages were used during production, creating several distinct varieties including the “stemless wreath” and the “1/000” fraction error.

These large copper cents measured between 27 and 29 millimeters in diameter, roughly the size of a modern half dollar. They served as essential currency for daily transactions until the series ended in 1807, when the Classic Head design replaced them.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Pennies Worth Money (1787 – Present)

 

Is your 1802 Penny Rare?

To accurately determine if your 1802 penny qualifies as rare, consider using the CoinValueChecker App, which helps identify specific varieties and grade your coin through photo analysis and expert guidance.

 

Key Features of the 1802 Penny

Let’s now look at the physical characteristics of the 1802 penny, which can help with authenticating and grading your copper coins. Familiarizing yourself with these features will also come in handy when identifying Draped Bust pennies or large cents worth collecting.

The Obverse of the 1802 Penny

The front side of the penny features the portrait of a right-facing Lady Liberty adorned in drapery.  A few strands of her flowy hair are held back with a ribbon, with some combed up over her forehead.

The word LIBERTY is inscribed above Lady Liberty’s portrait along the rim, while the date is shown below, also along the rim. Denticles decorate the rim’s entire circumference.

The Reverse of the 1802 Penny

On the back, the coin’s denomination ONE CENT is surrounded by a wreath tied at the bottom with a bow. Just underneath the bow is the denomination fraction, 1/100.

The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA are etched all around the coin’s circumference. And, similar to the obverse, denticles decorate the entire rim.

Other Features of the 1802 Penny

Additional features of the 1802 penny that are worth noting are:

• Diameter: 28.00 millimeters
• Weight: 10.89 grams
• Edge: Plain
• Metal Composition: Copper

Also Read: 100 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies Worth Money (1909 to 1958)

 

1802 Penny Mintage & Survival Data

The Philadelphia Mint produced approximately 3,435,100 examples of the 1802 Draped Bust penny, making it one of the highest mintages in the series. This substantial production reflected the strong demand for circulating copper coinage during Thomas Jefferson’s presidency and an abundance of available copper planchets at the time.

After more than 220 years of circulation, environmental exposure, and attrition, survival rates is now relatively low.. Brown (BN) specimens account for the vast majority of survivors, with an estimated 5,000 examples remaining today—representing just 0.1456% of the original mintage.

The survival distribution becomes even more stark for Red-Brown (RB) specimens, where only 4 examples are believed to exist, yielding an exceptionally low survival rate of 0.0001%.

This data explains why high-grade 1802 pennies command significant premiums despite their relatively high original mintage. The extensive circulation these coins experienced throughout the 19th century eliminated most survivors, particularly those retaining original red or red-brown copper surfaces.

Also Read: 100 Most Valuable Indian Head Penny Coins Worth Money (1859 – 1909)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1802 Penny Value

When evaluating your 1802 penny, first check the reverse for variety markers like stemless wreaths or the 1/000 fraction error, then assess the coin’s overall condition.

For quick, reliable results, try the CoinValueChecker App—it analyzes your coin photos instantly, identifying varieties and providing accurate market valuations based on current data.

 

1802 Penny Value Guides

Professional value guides organize 1802 pennies into distinct categories based on die varieties and color preservation.

The three primary reverse types—Normal, 1/000 Fraction, and Stemless Wreath—each carry different market valuations across condition grades. Additionally, coins are classified by color designation (Brown, Red-Brown, or Red), with red specimens commanding significant premiums due to superior copper surface preservation.

Advanced collectors reference Dr. William Sheldon’s classification system, which identifies approximately 20 specific die marriages designated by “S” numbers.

These comprehensive guides help collectors and dealers establish fair market values by comparing auction records, dealer transactions, and certified grading service populations for each specific variety and grade combination.

 

1802 No Mint Mark Penny Value

Every 1802 penny carries no mint mark because Philadelphia was the sole producer of large cents during this period.

What makes these coins special is their survival challenge—despite a mintage of 3,435,100 pieces, only about 5,000 Brown specimens exist today, representing a 0.15% survival rate.

Values span dramatically: circulated examples start around $130-7,900, while high-grade specimens reach $43,125 at auction. The coin holds strong investment appeal due to genuine scarcity in mint state grades, where fewer than 50 examples exist in MS63 or higher.

As a Draped Bust series component, it represents an essential piece of early American coinage history.

The auction records below illustrate this coin’s performance over two decades of sales.

Market activity for 1802 pennies remains steady, with consistent collector interest across all grade levels

Also Read: Value Of Old Pennies By Year (1959-Present)

 

Rare 1802 Penny Error List

The 1802 penny series includes several notable die varieties that attract collector attention. These errors resulted from die preparation mistakes at the Philadelphia Mint, creating distinct characteristics visible on the coin’s reverse. Two major varieties stand out for their collectibility and market premiums.

1. 1802 Penny  1/000

This variety originated when mint workers reused an 1801 reverse die for 1802 production, creating an incorrect denomination fraction. Instead of the standard “1/100” marking below the wreath, these coins display “1/000.”

The variety appears with moderate frequency, but collectors seek it for its historical significance and visual appeal. Circulated examples in Average condition start around $80, increasing to $120 in Good grade and $400 in Fine.

High-grade specimens command substantial premiums, with Extremely Fine examples reaching $1,450 and rare MS64 pieces selling for $25,000 or more at auction.

2. 1802 Penny No Stems

The “No Stems” variety features an incomplete reverse die where the engraver omitted the stems typically extending from the bottom of the wreath branches below the bow. This die production oversight creates a distinct visual marker that can spot immediately upon examination.

Several Sheldon varieties (S-231, S-241) exhibit this characteristic, making it somewhat more available than other errors. Despite being common in lower circulated grades, the variety becomes genuinely scarce in high grades. Values begin at $65 in Poor/Average condition, rising to $135 in Good and $375 in Fine.

The population drops significantly above Fine grade, with Extremely Fine examples worth $1,475, About Uncirculated pieces commanding $4,900, and a record MS64 specimen achieving $24,500 at Heritage Auctions.

 

FAQ About the 1802 Penny

How much is a 1802 penny worth today?

The value of a 1802 penny depends on its condition, grade, and rarity. Circulated or worn pieces are worth about $130 to as much as $7,900, while uncirculated gems can command up to $35,000 or more.

How to tell if a 1802 penny is worth any money?

The most valuable 1802 pennies are those with well-known die-varieties such as the “1/000” and “no stem” varieties. Not only are these examples scarce and hard to come by, but they can also command a premium as they are fascinating to collectors. So, if you come across a 1802 penny, examine the reverse for these die errors—depending on its condition, your coin might be worth a small fortune.

Is a 1802 penny rare?

The 1802 Draped Bust penny is not rare. This classical coin is fairly common in lower, circulated grades, although survivors are few in higher grades. That said, Mint State 1802 pennies are genuinely rare, especially in MS63 and higher, and Gems in MS64 or finer are extremely hard to find. Uncirculated examples can, therefore, command high premiums.