2002 Penny Coin Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

The 2002 Lincoln Memorial penny presents collectors with a deceptive challenge. Despite over 7 billion coins produced across three U.S. Mint facilities, finding pristine examples proves surprisingly difficult.

Most specimens suffered circulation damage over two decades of use. High-grade examples remain elusive in the marketplace. Philadelphia pennies reach $10.86 in MS grade while Denver coins achieve $9.86 in MS condition.

San Francisco Deep Cameo proofs trade for $3.89 in PR grade. The real collecting difficulty emerges at higher grades where MS67 examples are common but MS68 becomes scarce. MS69 specimens command substantial premiums due to their rarity.

 

2002 Penny Value By Variety

The 2002 penny was produced at three U.S. Mint facilities—Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S, proof only)—with values ranging from face value for common grades to hundreds of dollars for exceptional specimens.

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 2002 Penny Worth Money

The 2002 penny value hierarchy shows an extraordinary anomaly at its peak.

A 2002-S DCAM PR66 achieved $5,463, dwarfing all other varieties by a factor of thirty. This exceptional price likely represents a special circumstance—perhaps a notable pedigree or unique auction conditions.

Business strikes occupy the middle tier with predictable patterns. Philadelphia’s MS69 specimens lead at $186, followed by Denver’s MS69 at $132. Lower grades form a tight cluster: MS68 coins range from $20-$25, while MS67 examples trade around $18-$22. These modest premiums reflect the massive mintages from both facilities.

Proof coins present surprising value inversions. Despite perfect PR70 grades, these coins trade at just $92—less than business strike MS69s. Standard PR69 and PR68 DCAM examples remain highly affordable at $15-$17, making them accessible entry points for collectors.

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

 

History Of The 2002 Penny

The 2002 Lincoln penny represents the 44th year of the Lincoln Memorial reverse design, which replaced the original Wheat cent reverse in 1959.

By 2002, this series had become one of the most familiar coins in American circulation, maintaining Victor David Brenner’s 1909 Lincoln portrait on the obverse while featuring Frank Gasparro’s Memorial design on the reverse.

The coin’s composition reflected the major change implemented in 1982, when rising copper prices forced the U.S. Mint to switch from the traditional 95% copper alloy to a copper-plated zinc core (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper).

This composition continued through 2002, making these pennies significantly lighter than their pre-1982 counterparts—2.5 grams versus 3.11 grams.

Production in 2002 was substantial, with Philadelphia minting approximately 3.26 billion coins and Denver producing over 4 billion, totaling more than 7 billion pennies for circulation. San Francisco contributed proof specimens exclusively for collectors, maintaining the Mint’s tradition of producing premium-quality coins for numismatic sets.

The 2002 penny emerged during a period of relative stability for U.S. coinage, six years before the Memorial design would be retired in 2008 to make way for the 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial commemorative series and the subsequent Shield reverse that continues today.

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

 

 

Is Your 2002 Penny Rare?

Use our CoinValueChecker App to evaluate any 2002 pennies you discover and determine their current market significance beyond standard face value.

 

Key Features Of The 2002 Penny

In the coin world, the heads or front side of a coin is called its obverse while the back or tails side is the reverse and the thin side is the edge. The edge sometimes has ridges called reeds, and it often has a raised border called a rim or collar. The images on a coin are called devices while the words are mottos or legends. The blank disc that makes a coin is called a planchet.

The Obverse Of The 2002 Penny

The obverse displays Abraham Lincoln’s right-facing profile, designed by Victor David Brenner in 1909. The word “LIBERTY” appears behind Lincoln’s neck on the left side, while “IN GOD WE TRUST” arcs along the top rim above his head.

The date “2002” is positioned in front of Lincoln’s chest, with the mint mark (D for Denver, none for Philadelphia) directly below the date. Brenner’s initials “VDB” are barely visible on Lincoln’s shoulder truncation.

The Reverse Of The 2002 Penny

The reverse features the Lincoln Memorial building, designed by Frank Gasparro. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” curves along the top rim, with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” directly below. “ONE CENT” appears prominently at the bottom.

Through the Memorial’s central columns, Lincoln’s seated statue is visible—making this the only regular U.S. coin to feature the same person on both sides. Gasparro’s initials “FG” appear on the right side of the Memorial’s base.

Other Features Of The 2002 Penny

The 2002 penny weighs 2.5 grams and measures 19.05 millimeters in diameter with a smooth, plain edge. Its composition consists of 97.5% zinc core with 2.5% copper plating, giving it the traditional copper appearance despite being primarily zinc.

The coin’s thickness is 1.52 millimeters. This copper-plated zinc composition has been standard since 1982, replacing the heavier 95% copper alloy used previously.

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

 

2002 Penny Mintage & Survival Data

The 2002 penny saw massive production across two main facilities. Philadelphia struck 3.26 billion coins without mint marks, while Denver exceeded this with 4.03 billion pieces marked “D”—together totaling over 7.2 billion pennies for circulation. San Francisco contributed just 2.28 million proof specimens, a tiny fraction intended solely for collectors.

Survival rates tell an interesting story. Both Philadelphia and Denver coins show 50% survival after two decades, meaning roughly half remain in existence today. That’s about 1.63 billion Philadelphia pennies and 2.01 billion Denver pennies still circulating or saved.

Meanwhile, proof coins demonstrate exceptional preservation at 93.1% survival—over 2.1 million specimens remain in collections, reflecting their premium status among collectors who carefully preserve these mirror-finish coins.

This survival pattern is typical for modern pennies: business strikes face heavy circulation losses while collector pieces endure.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 2002 Penny Value

Knowing your 2002 penny’s true worth starts with identifying key details: the mint mark (P, D, or S) under the date, surface luster, and strike sharpness.

Most circulated examples remain at face value, while uncirculated pieces range from $1-$8 depending on color grade. Special varieties like the wide AM error—where the A and M in AMERICA don’t touch—can command significant premiums. Proof coins from San Francisco also carry added value.

Instead of spending hours studying grading charts and tracking market prices, get instant, accurate results with our CoinValueChecker App to check the grade directly.

 

2002 Penny Value Guides

 2002 Penny Varieties

• 2002 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia) – 26 billion minted for circulation
• 2002-D (Denver)– Approximately 4.03 billion minted, highest production of the year
• 2002-S Proof DCAM (San Francisco)– About 2.28 million proof coins for collectors

The 2002 penny came in three varieties from different U.S. Mint facilities.

Philadelphia and Denver produced over 7 billion coins combined for everyday circulation, with Denver leading in production volume. San Francisco exclusively struck proof specimens with Deep Cameo contrast, creating mirror-like surfaces for collector sets.

While business strikes remain common in circulation, the proof coins command premiums based on their pristine condition and limited mintage.

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

 

2002 No Mint Mark Penny Value

Philadelphia struck approximately 3.26 billion pennies in 2002, creating abundant supplies for circulation. However, the population breaks down dramatically at higher grades.

MS67 RD specimens remain common and affordable. MS68 coins become genuinely scarce, with collectors competing for limited supplies. The pinnacle grade MS69 represents true rarity—one such specimen sold for $595 on eBay in October 2021, demonstrating strong demand for top-quality examples.

Color designation creates distinct value tiers. Red (RD) pennies maintain their original copper brilliance and dominate the premium market. Red-brown (RB) examples show partial oxidation, typically selling for 40-60% of RD prices. Brown (BN) coins, fully toned from decades of exposure, appeal mainly to budget collectors completing sets.

his hierarchy holds across all grades—an MS68 RD might fetch $30, while the same grade in BN barely exceeds a dollar.

Recent auction results show consistent demand for high-grade specimens.

Market activity remained steady through winter, experienced a sharp spike in early spring, then moderated through the summer months.

 

2002-D Penny Value

Denver struck over 4 billion pennies in 2002, the highest production among all three mints that year. Despite this massive output, pristine examples command strong premiums. The auction highlight remains an MS69 RD that achieved $376 at Heritage Auctions in January 2015.

Red (RD) specimens showcase Denver’s quality control at its finest. These coins retain full mint luster with blazing copper surfaces. The highest auction record shows that one of the RD coins with a grade of MS65 was sold at auction in 2015 for $376.

Red-brown (RB) coins display natural oxidation patterns. Warm chocolate undertones spread across the surface, creating an appealing vintage look. These pieces typically sell for 30-50% of RD values at comparable grades, attracting collectors who prefer toned coins over brilliant ones.

Brown (BN) examples dominate the market due to their abundance. Full oxidation produces a dark, uniform patina. An MS68 BN sold for just $21 on eBay in July 2021, while an MS68 RB brought $29 in September 2022, demonstrating the clear value hierarchy among color designations.

Auction records show relatively stable pricing patterns over the years, with occasional fluctuations reflecting changing market conditions.

Market activity spiked dramatically in March 2025 after maintaining steady levels through winter, then moderated in spring before rising again during the summer months.

 

2002-S DCAM Penny Value

San Francisco minted approximately 2.28 million proof pennies in 2002, exclusively for collector sets. These coins underwent a meticulous production process—polished planchets received multiple strikes from specially prepared dies, creating the Deep Cameo effect that defines modern proofs.

The DCAM designation indicates maximum contrast between mirror-like fields and heavily frosted devices. Lincoln’s portrait exhibits razor-sharp detail, while the Memorial’s architectural elements display exceptional clarity. This striking visual effect transforms the familiar design into a miniature work of art.

Despite the relatively high mintage for a proof issue, certain grades command impressive premiums. A PR66 DCAM specimen achieved $6,613 at Heritage Auctions in May 2003, demonstrating strong collector demand for quality examples.

Today, PR70 DCAM coins trade around $54, while PR69 specimens remain accessible near $14, making these artistic proofs attainable for most collectors.

Auction records reflect steady demand for proof specimens, with premium examples consistently achieving stronger prices across multiple years.

Market activity doubled in March 2025 after maintaining baseline levels through winter, then fluctuated moderately before surging again in July, showing renewed collector enthusiasm.

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

 

Rare 2002 Penny Errors List

Older coins have lots of mint mistakes that can double or even triple the resale price of a coin. But modern pieces are typically computerized and the digital process drastically cuts down the presence of mint errors.

That said, you can still find the occasional planchet error or misprinted date. Let’s look at some 2002 Penny Errors and see how they affect coin value.

1. Wrong Planchet Error

Wrong planchet errors occur when penny dies strike blanks intended for other denominations. Most commonly found on dime planchets, these errors display silvery coloring instead of copper. The smaller blank results in incomplete strikes with missing rim details.

These errors weigh differently than standard pennies and are highly sought after. Values depend on strike clarity and preservation, with clear dates and readable features commanding premium prices.

2. Struck 60% Off-Centre

Off-centre strikes occur when the planchet isn’t properly centered between the dies during striking. The blank shifts before impact, or the feeder mechanism fails to position it correctly.

This results in the design appearing shifted, with part of the coin surface remaining blank. The percentage indicates how far off-center the strike is. Dramatic off-centre errors with clear dates remain most valuable to collectors.

3. Off-Centre Indent Error

Off-centre indent errors combine two distinct problems: misaligned striking and indentation marks. These occur when foreign objects or another coin partially overlaps the planchet during striking, while the blank sits off-center.

The result shows both shifted design elements and unusual indented areas. These subtle errors require careful examination to distinguish from broadstrikes. Values increase with indent clarity and overall grade preservation.

 4. Double-Struck Error

Double-struck errors occur when a coin fails to eject properly and receives a second impression from the dies. If the coin shifts between strikes, overlapping images appear with doubled or ghosted details.

The offset ranges from slight to dramatic, with clear separation being most valuable. Modern pennies rarely exhibit this error due to improved quality control, making well-preserved examples particularly sought after by collectors.

5. Broadstruck Error

Broadstruck errors occur when a coin is struck without the restraining collar die.

This collar normally contains the planchet and shapes the coin’s edge during striking. Without it, metal flows outward freely, creating a coin larger than standard specifications.

The result shows distinctive characteristics: thin, spread-out appearance with weak or irregular rims. These errors appear across all Lincoln penny years.

Values depend on spread severity and preservation quality, with well-centered strikes showing clear details bringing highest premiums.

6. Double Denomination Error

Double denomination errors occur when a coin receives strikes from dies of two different denominations.

For example, a penny struck with both cent and dime dies, creating overlapping designs from different coins. These extremely rare errors show mixed elements like Lincoln’s portrait with Roosevelt’s profile, or conflicting denominations. Such dramatic minting mistakes are highly prized by collectors.

7. Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) Error

Coins are struck from dies, and dies are made from hubs. Sometimes during die production, the hub shifts slightly between impressions, creating a doubling effect on the die.

This error transfers to every coin that die produces. When doubling appears on the reverse (tails) side, it’s classified as DDR – Doubled Die Reverse. On Lincoln Memorial pennies, DDR typically shows as doubled letters in “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” or “ONE CENT,” or as doubled columns on the Memorial building.

The doubling strength varies from subtle to dramatic, with more pronounced examples commanding higher premiums. Values depend on the visibility of the doubling and the coin’s grade, with red specimens in mint state being most desirable.

Also Read: 42 Rare Penny Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Where To Sell Your 2002 Penny?

Ready to turn that 2002 penny into cash? Whether you’ve got a pristine MS69 or an intriguing error coin, finding the right buyer makes all the difference. Online platforms offer convenience and competitive prices, but each has its quirks.

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

 

2002 Penny Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ About The 2002 Penny

1. How Much is a 2002-D Penny Worth?

Most circulated 2002-D pennies are worth face value. However, uncirculated red specimens range from $10 for MS65 to $140 for MS69. The record price was $376 for an MS69 RD at Heritage Auctions in 2015. Brown or red-brown examples trade for significantly less than red coins.

2. How Much Does a 2002 Penny Weigh?

A 2002 penny weighs 2.5 grams, following the standard adopted in 1982 when the composition changed to copper-plated zinc (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper). This is lighter than pre-1982 pennies which weighed 3.11 grams due to their 95% copper composition.

3. What does a 2002 penny look like?

The 2002 penny features Abraham Lincoln’s right-facing portrait on the obverse with “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date “2002.” The reverse displays the Lincoln Memorial with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “ONE CENT.” Lincoln’s seated statue is visible through the Memorial’s columns. The coin has a copper appearance, smooth edge, and measures 19.05mm in diameter.