1802 Penny Value Checker: Errors List & No Mint Mark Worth

1802 Penny value ranges from $0.01 face value to $333,500. That record was set by a Grade 67 example sold through Goldberg Auctioneers in September 2009. Upload a photo of yours below and we’ll give you a quick value range. You can also scroll down to check recent eBay sales and see what people are actually paying today.

 

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.

The three major varieties are the Normal Reverse, the 1/000 Fraction Error, and the Stemless Wreath — each identified by examining the reverse of the coin closely. 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.

Key auction houses handling these coins include Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers Galleries, and David Lawrence Rare Coins, all of which have recorded significant sales of this series. The significant price gaps between grades reflect both the technical difficulty of preservation and the limited population of Mint State survivors.

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

 

History of the 1802 Penny and the Draped Bust Series

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 the renowned artist Gilbert Stuart. The inspiration came from Ann Willing Bingham, a prominent Philadelphia socialite and wife of statesman William Bingham, whose likeness Stuart had painted.

Scot’s design featured Liberty adorned in elegant drapery, replacing the earlier Flowing Hair design that had faced criticism from contemporaries. The result was considered more refined and better suited to the young republic’s ideals.

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. The entire Draped Bust large cent series from 1796 to 1807 contains 295 distinct Sheldon-numbered die varieties in total, making it one of the most complex collecting specialties in American numismatics.

These large copper cents measured 28 millimeters in diameter — roughly the size of a modern half dollar — and weighed 10.89 grams. 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?

One of the most important — and often overlooked — factors that determines how rare and valuable your 1802 penny is comes down to its color designation. Because this is a copper coin, professional grading services PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) assign one of three color grades in addition to the standard numeric Sheldon grade:

• BN (Brown): The coin retains less than 5% (PCGS) or 15% (NGC) of its original mint red luster. The vast majority of surviving 1802 pennies are Brown. An estimated 5,000 BN examples survive today — just 0.15% of the original mintage.
• RB (Red-Brown): The coin shows between 5% and 95% of its original red copper color, mixing red and brown tones. Only about 4 RB examples of the 1802 penny are believed to exist, representing an extraordinary 0.0001% survival rate.
• RD (Red): The coin retains at least 85% of its original mint-fresh copper luster. No confirmed RD examples of the 1802 penny are currently known — making any such discovery a major numismatic event.

This color hierarchy matters enormously for value. A BN example in MS63 might sell for $5,000–$10,000, while a comparable RB or RD specimen of the same grade would command far higher premiums if one were to surface.

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

 

Key Features of the 1802 Penny for Identification

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 flowing hair are held back with a ribbon, with some combed up over her forehead — a style fashionable among Philadelphia’s elite in the 1790s and early 1800s.

The word LIBERTY is inscribed above Lady Liberty’s portrait along the rim, while the date is shown below, also along the rim. Denticles — small tooth-like bumps — 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 — normally “1/100” — though on the error variety this reads “1/000.”

The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA are etched all around the coin’s circumference. 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

One important identification tip: because the entire large cent series was struck only at the Philadelphia Mint, no 1802 penny will ever carry a mint mark. If you see a “P” or any other letter on the coin, it is either a later addition or the coin is not genuine.

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 are now remarkably 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 striking for Red-Brown (RB) specimens, where only about 4 examples are believed to exist, yielding an exceptionally low survival rate of approximately 0.0001%. No confirmed Red (RD) examples are currently known to survive.

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.

The copper composition itself is susceptible to environmental damage — moisture, sulfur compounds in the air, and improper storage all accelerate the conversion of red surfaces to brown patina.

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 Coin Identifier and Value 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.

Coins are also classified by color designation (Brown, Red-Brown, or Red), with Red specimens commanding significant premiums due to superior copper surface preservation.

The standard reference for this series is Dr. William Herbert Sheldon’s landmark book, originally published in 1938 as A Revision of Early American Cents, 1793-1814 and later republished under the popular title Penny Whimsy.

Sheldon’s work established the 1-to-70 grading scale now used for all U.S. coins, and his “S” numbering system (such as S-225, S-228, S-231, S-241) identifies each of the approximately 295 distinct die pairings across the entire Draped Bust large cent series.

A more accessible modern reference is the book by William C. Noyes, which uses the same Sheldon numbering system but includes superior photographs and updated attribution points, making it easier for today’s collectors to identify specific varieties. NGC formally assigns Sheldon numbers for Draped Bust cents from 1796 through 1807, with the first 1802 variety beginning at S-225.

 

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. All Draped Bust large cents of every date originated exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint — so the absence of a mint mark is completely normal and expected.

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 roughly 0.15% survival rate. Values span dramatically: circulated examples start around $130–$7,900, while high-grade specimens reach $43,125 at auction.

PCGS has graded the standard 1802 large cent under catalog number #1470. According to PCGS CoinFacts, the auction record for this coin is $43,125 achieved by an MS64 example at Heritage Auctions in February 2008. The Greysheet currently shows a PCGS MS64 BN example offered for sale at $20,997.50, reflecting current wholesale market levels.

The coin holds strong investment appeal due to genuine scarcity in Mint State grades, where fewer than 50 examples are estimated to 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 strong collector attention and command meaningful price premiums. These errors resulted from die preparation mistakes at the Philadelphia Mint, creating distinct characteristics visible on the coin’s reverse when examined carefully.

Two major varieties stand out for their collectibility and market premiums, and both are certified and tracked by PCGS and NGC under separate catalog numbers.

1. 1802 Penny 1/000 Fraction Error

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” — three zeros instead of “100.”

This specific variety is cataloged by Sheldon as S-228 and carries a Rarity-2 designation, meaning it is more available than some other early cent varieties but still scarcer than the Normal Reverse. The Greysheet records PCGS populations of 8 coins graded at Fine-12 with 31 graded higher (8/31) for this specific variety, giving a real sense of how few certified examples exist.

Circulated examples in average condition start around $80–$246 depending on the source, increasing to $400 in Fine grade. High-grade specimens command substantial premiums — according to PCGS CoinFacts, the auction record for this variety (PCGS #1473) is $27,600 for an MS65 example sold at Heritage Auctions in January 2005.

The Greysheet also notes sales via Stack’s Bowers and David Lawrence Rare Coins for mid-grade examples.

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 is immediately apparent upon close examination.

Several Sheldon varieties exhibit this characteristic — most notably S-231 and S-241 — making the No Stems type somewhat more available than other die varieties in lower grades. The PCGS population data for the S-241 No Stems variety in Fine-15 shows a census of 0/0 (NGC) and 0/2 (PCGS), underscoring how rare certified fine-grade examples truly are.

At VF-30 across all No Stems varieties combined, PCGS shows a population of 7 coins graded with 32 graded higher (7/32), confirming extreme scarcity above that level. Values begin at $65–$183 in lower circulated grades, rising sharply in higher grades.

According to PCGS CoinFacts, the auction record for the No Stems BN variety (PCGS #1476) stands at $21,850 for an MS64 example sold at Heritage Auctions in February 2008 — the same sale that set the Normal Reverse record. Both records have stood for over 15 years, demonstrating how rarely top-grade examples of these varieties reach the market.

 

FAQ About the 1802 Penny Value

1. How much is a 1802 penny worth today?

The value of a 1802 penny depends on its condition, grade, and variety. Circulated or worn Brown (BN) pieces in average condition are worth approximately $132–$163, rising to $7,900 or more in near-uncirculated grades. Mint State gems certified by PCGS or NGC can reach $43,125 and beyond, as documented by Heritage Auctions.

2. How do I identify a valuable 1802 penny variety?

Examine the reverse carefully under a magnifying glass. Check the denomination fraction below the wreath — if it reads “1/000” instead of “1/100,” you have the valuable 1/000 variety.

Also check whether the wreath has stems at the base; if those stems are missing, you have the No Stems variety. Both varieties command premiums over the Normal Reverse.

3. Is a 1802 penny rare?

The 1802 Draped Bust penny is not rare in circulated grades, where thousands of examples survive. However, Mint State specimens are genuinely rare — particularly in MS63 and higher — since fewer than 50 examples are estimated to exist at that level. Red-Brown (RB) examples are extremely rare with only about 4 known, and no confirmed Red (RD) examples exist.

4. What is the color designation on a 1802 penny and why does it matter?

Because the 1802 penny is a copper coin, grading services assign a color designation after the numeric grade. BN (Brown) means less than 5% original red luster remains. RB (Red-Brown) means 5–95% red remains. RD (Red) means 85%+ red luster is preserved. Higher color preservation means higher value — an RB example at the same grade level as a BN coin can be worth several times more due to its extreme scarcity.

5. What are the main reference books used to identify 1802 penny varieties?

The primary reference is Dr. William Herbert Sheldon’s Penny Whimsy, originally published in 1938, which assigns “S-numbers” to all 295 die varieties in the Draped Bust large cent series.

A more accessible modern resource is the book by William C. Noyes, which uses the same S-numbers but features superior photographs, making variety attribution easier for today’s collectors.

6. Which auction houses have handled the top 1802 penny sales?

Heritage Auctions is responsible for the most documented top-price sales, including the $43,125 Normal Reverse record and the $27,600 1/000 variety record, both achieved in 2005–2008.

Stack’s Bowers Galleries and David Lawrence Rare Coins have also handled significant mid-grade and high-grade examples. For high-value specimens, always use a major auction house that specializes in early American copper.

7. What does “Sheldon variety” mean on a 1802 penny?

A Sheldon variety — identified by an “S-number” like S-228 or S-241 — refers to a specific pairing of obverse (front) and reverse (back) dies used during the minting process. Since dies were hand-made and used in many combinations, different die pairings produce coins with subtle but measurable differences in details like letter positions, star spacing, and wreath features.

Collectors who specialize in die varieties can often dramatically increase or decrease a coin’s value based on which S-number it receives.

8. Can the 1802 penny have a red (RD) color designation?

No confirmed Red (RD) 1802 pennies are currently known to exist. After 220+ years, the original copper luster has converted to brown on virtually all survivors. Only about 4 examples with any Red-Brown (RB) coloring are believed to survive. If a genuine RD-certified 1802 penny were discovered, it would be a major numismatic event and would likely set a significant auction record.

9. How do I get my 1802 penny professionally graded?

Submit your coin to either PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company), the two most respected grading services in the hobby. Both services will authenticate the coin, assign a numeric grade on the 1–70 Sheldon scale, add a color designation (BN, RB, or RD), and encapsulate it in a tamper-evident holder called a “slab.” For variety attribution, NGC offers its VarietyPlus service which assigns Sheldon numbers to Draped Bust large cents.

10. What should I look for when buying a 1802 penny at auction?

First, always insist on a coin certified by PCGS or NGC — raw (ungraded) 1802 pennies carry significant authentication risk due to their age and value. Check the color designation (BN vs. RB) since this strongly affects value. Verify the specific variety (Normal, 1/000, or No Stems) and its corresponding Sheldon number. Review PCGS population data before bidding — a coin graded VF-30 that shows only 7 examples graded at that level with 32 graded higher tells you exactly how rare it is in the marketplace.