2002 Nickel Value (Errors List, “P”, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth)

The 2002 nickel represents a transitional moment in American coinage history. Struck just two years before the commemorative Westward Journey redesign, these coins marked the final era of Felix Schlag’s unchanged 1938 design. This historical positioning, however, doesn’t translate to universal collectibility, value mainly depends on preservation quality.

Understanding 2002 Nickel value also requires examining the grade-driven market. Circulated pieces languish at $0.08 to $0.26 with minimal premiums, while uncirculated specimens value at $5.40-$9.00 for standard MS grades. The Full Steps designation pushes Denver issues to $21.83, reflecting the superior strike quality that separates ordinary specimens from collector-grade pieces.

 

2002 Nickel Value By Variety

The 2002 nickel’s value varies depending on its mint mark, strike quality, and condition grade, with Full Steps designations and proof Deep Cameo versions commanding premium prices above their standard circulation counterparts. 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 Jefferson Nickels Worth Money List (1938-Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 2002 Nickel Worth Money

The top tier of 2002 nickel values demonstrates a clear hierarchy dominated by grade rarity and strike type.

Leading the chart is the 2002-S PR 70 proof at $1,880, representing the pinnacle of modern nickel preservation with flawless Deep Cameo contrast. The Denver Mint’s 2002-D in MS-67 commands $1,187, showcasing how circulation strike coins in superb gem condition can rival proof specimens in value.

A notable pattern emerges across the remaining entries: Denver Mint nickels consistently outperform their Philadelphia counterparts at equivalent grades, with 2002-D pieces commanding premiums of 74% to 188% over comparable 2002-P coins. This disparity likely reflects strike quality differences between the two facilities.

The exponential value increase between grade levels is particularly striking—a single point improvement from MS-66 to MS-67 can multiply value by factors of three to sixteen, emphasizing how condition sensitivity intensifies at the upper echelons of the grading scale where even microscopic imperfections become determinative.

 

History of The 2002 Nickel

The year 2002 marked a pivotal turning point in Jefferson nickel history, though not yet the end of Felix Schlag’s classic design.

In June 2002, U.S. Mint officials initiated discussions about redesigning the nickel to commemorate the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This conversation would fundamentally alter the direction of America’s five-cent piece.

The initiative led Representative Eric Cantor to sponsor the “American 5-Cent Coin Design Continuity Act of 2003,” signed into law on April 23, 2003. This legislation authorized temporary design changes while ensuring Monticello’s eventual return.

However, the 2002 nickels themselves still featured Schlag’s unmodified design that had endured since 1938. The actual design transformation began in 2004 when the Westward Journey series launched, making 2003 the final year of Schlag’s original obverse design in its pure form.

The 2004 nickels featured Schlag’s traditional Jefferson profile paired with two new reverse designs—the Peace Medal and Keelboat. In 2005, even the obverse changed for the first time in 67 years.

For collectors, 2002 nickels represent a bridge between two eras—the classic period that began in 1938 and the modern commemorative age that would debut just two years later with the Westward Journey series.

Also Read: Top 60+ Most Valuable Buffalo Nickels Worth Money

 

Is Your 2002 Nickel Rare?

The difference between a common 2002 nickel and a rare one can mean hundreds of dollars in value. Our CoinValueChecker App analyzes rarity indicators and market demand to show you exactly where your coin stands among collectors.

 

Key Features of The 2002 Nickel

The 2002 nickel maintains Felix Schlag’s classic design that defined the Jefferson series since 1938. This year represents one of the final iterations before the 2004-2005 Westward Journey redesign transformed the series.

The Obverse Of The 2002 Nickel

The obverse displays Thomas Jefferson’s left-facing profile, closely resembling Jean-Antoine Houdon’s famous bust of the president. The word “LIBERTY” arcs to the right of Jefferson’s portrait., while “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears to the left of Jefferson’s portrait.

The date “2002” is positioned below the bust, with the mint mark (P for Philadelphia or D for Denver) located just beneath the date—a placement adopted in 1968. Felix Schlag’s initials “FS” appear at the truncation of Jefferson’s shoulder, added in 1966.

The Reverse Of The 2002 Nickel

The reverse showcases a frontal view of Monticello, Jefferson’s Virginia estate, rendered in precise architectural detail. The building name “MONTICELLO” appears directly below the structure.

Above the mansion, the Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (Out of many, one) stretches across the field. The denomination “FIVE CENTS” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” complete the lower legends.

Collectors particularly prize examples showing “Full Steps”—specimens where all six steps of Monticello’s entrance portico display complete, unbroken detail, indicating exceptional strike quality.

Other Features Of The 2002 Nickel

The 2002 nickel features a smooth, plain edge without reeding, measuring 1.95mm in thickness. This distinctive edge treatment differentiates it from dimes and quarters.

The coin’s copper-nickel clad composition gives it a characteristic silvery appearance and magnetic resistance. Its moderate weight and size make it instantly recognizable by touch, a practical consideration for everyday commerce.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Nickels Worth Money (Most Expensive)

 

2002 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

The 2002 nickel production demonstrates a substantial circulation strike output, with Denver Mint leading at 691.2 million pieces compared to Philadelphia’s 539.28 million. Combined, these two facilities produced over 1.23 billion nickels for commerce, reflecting robust demand during this period.

The San Francisco Mint exclusively struck proof coins, producing 3.21 million Deep Cameo specimens for collectors rather than circulation. This limited mintage represents less than 0.3% of the total 2002 nickel production, establishing these proofs as the scarcest variety by volume.

Survival data reveals a striking contrast between coin types. While circulation strike survival numbers remain undocumented due to their abundance in everyday use, the S DCAM proofs demonstrate an exceptional 70.2% survival rate with 2.25 million specimens preserved. This remarkable retention reflects their purpose-built collector status and careful preservation in protective packaging.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 2002 Nickel Value

Determining your 2002 nickel’s worth is simpler than you think. Start by checking the mint mark—P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), or S (San Francisco proof), as values range from $0.08 for circulated pieces to over $20 for high-grade specimens. Examine Monticello’s steps on the reverse; Full Steps designations significantly increase value, with MS-67 examples reaching $400-$1,187.

For instant, accurate valuation, download a professional coin identifier app like CoinValueChecker App. Simply snap photos of both sides, and AI-powered technology will analyze your coin’s grade, mint mark, and special features within seconds.

 

2002 Nickel Value Guides

2002 Nickel Varieties:

• 2002-P Nickel (Philadelphia)– Circulation strikes from America’s first mint
• 2002-D Nickel (Denver)-Highest mintage with superior strike quality
• 2002-S DCAM Nickel (San Francisco)– Proof only collector issue with mirror-like Deep Cameo finish

The 2002 nickel’s value varies dramatically across its three mint varieties, ranging from face value for worn circulation strikes to over $1,800 for exceptional proof specimens. Understanding the distinctions between Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco issues helps collectors identify potentially valuable coins in their possession.

 

2002-P Nickel Value

The 2002-P nickel represents Philadelphia Mint production with a massive mintage of 539,280,000 pieces, making it one of the most common issues in the Jefferson series. The “P” mint mark beneath the date identifies these coins as products of America’s first and most historic minting facility.

The Full Steps designation creates an interesting market dynamic. While price guides indicate MS-67 Full Steps specimens should command $130 compared to lower values for non-FS examples, actual auction results sometimes tell a different story.

An MS-67 Full Steps specimen achieved $115 through Heritage Auctions in 2006, and a later MS-66 Full Steps piece sold for $400 on eBay in 2020, demonstrating market volatility based on buyer demand and auction venue.

Scarcity increases dramatically at MS-67 with Full Steps, while anything grading MS-68 or higher becomes genuinely rare and worthy of professional certification. These top-tier specimens can reach price guide values of $3,500 or more, representing the finest survivors from over half a billion coins produced.

Market activity data demonstrates collector demand patterns for this high-mintage variety.

 

2002-D Nickel Value

The 2002-D nickel boasts the highest mintage of all 2002 varieties with over 691 million specimens struck at the Denver Mint, surpassing even Philadelphia’s substantial production.

Despite massive production numbers, the Denver Mint achieved notably superior strike quality, with Full Steps examples being fairly easy to locate compared to other years. This technical excellence makes 2002-D nickels particularly attractive for quality-conscious collectors seeking well-defined Monticello steps.

Circulated 2002-D nickels hold only face value, while uncirculated examples typically range from 30 cents to $1.23 in standard grades. The series transforms at MS-66 Full Steps and above, where scarcity increases substantially, with MS-67 Full Steps specimens being genuinely rare.

The auction record for a 2002-D nickel stands at an impressive $1,187, achieved by an MS-67 Full Steps specimen sold in January 2023. This represents the pinnacle of Denver Mint quality for this year. Standard MS-67 examples without Full Steps typically sold at $200 at auction, demonstrating how the Full Steps designation multiplies value by nearly six times at top grades—a premium justified by the exceptional rarity of flawlessly struck high-grade survivors.

Auction results illustrated below showcase how Denver Mint specimens with exceptional strike quality have performed at major sales.

The market activity chart tracks collector interest for this series’ highest-production issue.

 

2002-S DCAM Nickel Value

The 2002-S nickel was struck exclusively as a proof coin at the San Francisco Mint, produced solely for collectors rather than circulation. These specimens were sold directly to the public in annual proof sets, ensuring careful handling and preservation from the moment of striking.

The DCAM (Deep Cameo) designation represents the pinnacle of proof coin aesthetics, featuring frosted design elements that contrast dramatically against mirror-like fields. This striking visual effect creates an almost three-dimensional appearance, with Jefferson’s portrait and Monticello seeming to float above the coin’s brilliant, reflective surface.

The 2002-S proof nickel came exceptionally well-struck, with most examples achieving high proof grades. The massive PCGS population of 9,714 specimens graded PR69 DCAM demonstrates consistent quality across the entire mintage. Perfect PR70 DCAM examples remain available despite their technical perfection.

Market values reflect this accessibility—raw DCAM specimens trade for $2-$4, while PR69 DCAM examples command $10-$15. The auction record stands at $1,880 for a PR70 DCAM specimen sold through Heritage Auctions in June 2013, though current PR70 examples typically sell for $20-$30.

This dramatic price variance illustrates how the initial excitement surrounding early perfect-grade specimens has moderated as populations increased, making flawless modern proofs remarkably affordable for today’s collectors.

Historical auction prices presented below document the price variation of Deep Cameo proof specimens from collector-only sets.

Market metrics reveal the flucate market for these mirror-finish proof coins among numismatists.

Also Read: 22 Rare Nickel Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Rare 2002 Nickel Error List

While 2002 nickels are common in circulation, manufacturing errors transform ordinary coins into valuable collectibles. These mint mistakes occur during production when dies malfunction, planchets misalign, or foreign materials interfere with the striking process, creating unique specimens that command some premiums.

1. Die Clash Errors

A die clash occurs when obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a planchet between them, transferring partial design elements from one die onto the other. This creates ghostly impressions on subsequently struck coins.

On 2002 nickels, you might observe faint outlines of Monticello appearing behind Jefferson’s portrait on the obverse, or subtle traces of Jefferson’s profile near the building on the reverse. The stronger and more visible the clash marks, the more valuable the error becomes.

In 2017, a collector paid $895 for a 2002-P MS67 nickel with a pronounced die clash error, demonstrating the premium these specimens command.

2. Off-Center Strike Errors

Off-center strikes happen when the planchet is improperly positioned within the collar during striking, causing the design to be impressed away from center toward the coin’s edge. This results in part of the design being completely missing with a blank crescent-shaped area visible.

The value depends heavily on the degree of misalignment—coins struck 5-10% off-center show minimal collector interest, while those 25-50% off-center with the date still visible are highly sought. The most dramatic examples show significant portions of both Jefferson and Monticello missing while retaining enough detail for identification.

Off-center 2002 nickels typically trade for $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on the displacement percentage and grade.

3. Broadstrike Errors

Broadstrike errors occur when the collar die malfunctions, allowing the metal planchet to expand beyond its normal diameter during striking. Without the restraining collar, the coin becomes wider and thinner than standard specifications.

These 2002 nickels appear noticeably larger with extra blank space surrounding the design elements and always feature plain, smooth edges instead of the normal smooth edge. The coin maintains all design details but at reduced relief due to the metal spreading over a larger area.

Broadstrike 2002 nickels typically sell for $20 to $30 and up, with higher grades commanding stronger prices due to their visual impact and relative scarcity.

 

Where to Sell Your 2002 Nickel?

Once you’ve determined your 2002 nickel’s grade and condition, choosing the right selling platform becomes extraordinarily crucial for maximizing your return.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

FAQ About The 2002 Nickel

1. Are 2002 nickels rare?

No, 2002 nickels are extremely common, with over 1.23 billion circulation strikes produced between Philadelphia and Denver. The Philadelphia Mint struck 539,280,000 pieces, while Denver produced 691,200,000 nickels that year.

However, high-grade uncirculated examples, particularly those graded MS-67 and above or bearing Full Steps designations, remain scarce despite the enormous mintage figures.

2. How much is a 2002 nickel worth?

Most circulated 2002 nickels are worth only their face value of 5 cents if they show wear or damage. Uncirculated examples typically range from 20 to 50 cents, while high-grade specimens can command significantly more.

The most valuable 2002-D nickel, graded MS-67 Full Steps, sold for $1,187 in 2023, demonstrating how condition dramatically affects value.

3. Should I save circulated 2002 nickels?

Generally no—worn or damaged 2002 nickels from either mint are worth only face value and can be spent normally. The exception would be if you discover obvious mint errors like off-center strikes, doubled dies, or other dramatic abnormalities.

Focus instead on searching bank rolls for uncirculated examples or coins with Full Steps details, as these represent the only circulation-found 2002 nickels with potential numismatic premiums.